The Department for Education has issued its 7 January 2026 DfE Update for academies, local authorities and further education providers, covering funding, assurance and resource management. The notice applies to organisations in England and consolidates actions with specific deadlines alongside links to detailed guidance and events. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dfe-update-7-january-2026))
Academy trusts were reminded that the statutory deadline to submit 2024/25 audited financial statements was 31 December 2025. Trusts that have not yet filed are asked to submit without delay and to use DfE support materials where difficulties arise. This is a compliance priority for accounting officers and boards. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dfe-update-7-january-2026/dfe-update-academies-7-january-2026))
For further education providers, the first‑time request form to obtain an advanced learner loans contract is now live. Completed forms must be submitted via the Customer Help Portal by 5pm on Monday 19 January 2026. Providers are directed to the 2025 to 2026 advanced learner loans funding rules for the performance management framework that governs allocations. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dfe-update-7-january-2026/dfe-update-further-education-7-january-2026))
Access arrangements for Care to Learn and for the defined vulnerable groups element of the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund changed for academic year 2025 to 2026. The second window is open for new claims only; adjustments are reserved for the third window later in the year unless DfE has asked for a resubmission. The current window closes at 5pm on Wednesday 11 February 2026, with guidance available to support completion. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dfe-update-7-january-2026/dfe-update-further-education-7-january-2026))
To support cost control, DfE’s maximising value for pupils programme brings together updated financial benchmarking, a banking comparison tool to improve interest on reserves, free procurement training and access to school resource management adviser support. The aim is to help schools and trusts redirect efficiencies into pupil outcomes. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dfe-update-7-january-2026/dfe-update-academies-7-january-2026))
Early years funding will move to a termly census from the 2026 to 2027 financial year to improve allocation accuracy. DfE has published an early years funding allocation calculation tool so local authorities can model part‑time equivalent forecasts each term and see the impact of in‑year Dedicated Schools Grant adjustments on budgets. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dfe-update-7-january-2026/dfe-update-local-authorities-7-january-2026))
DfE has also released the December 2025 webinar on the local authority proforma tool for 2026 to 2027, with slides alongside the recording. The session explains the checks applied to APTs and common reasons for resubmission, providing context for business and finance teams finalising school funding models. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dfe-update-7-january-2026/dfe-update-local-authorities-7-january-2026))
National Apprenticeship Week 2026 runs from Monday 9 to Sunday 15 February. Providers and employers are signposted to planning resources and an online calendar of events to support local engagement. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dfe-update-7-january-2026/dfe-update-further-education-7-january-2026))
Events for school business professionals include an RPA members‑only contract works workshop from 10am to midday on Thursday 15 January 2026. DfE has also opened a free spring‑term schedule of webinars and short power hours for finance and operations leads covering energy purchasing, VAT with HMRC, banking and digital planning. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dfe-update-7-january-2026/dfe-update-local-authorities-7-january-2026))
Operational next steps are to confirm any outstanding statutory accounts submissions, diarise the FE loans and bursary claim deadlines, test early years budgets using the new tool, and book relevant spring training. The update applies to institutions and authorities in England.