Brighter Futures Educational Trust

Price Bailey's Audit & Assurance team support a Multi Academy Trust (MAT) with a range of audit and accounts services, in addition to other ad hoc services...

Brighter Futures Educational Trust is a two school Multi Academy Trust (MAT) based in Hertfordshire. The MAT provides a nurturing environment for children with social, emotional and mental health related issues. They also support pupils with autistic spectrum condition, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder diagnosed as part of their special educational needs. The Trust began in 2016 with a single school, Larwood School, and expanded in 2020 with the addition of Brandles School.

How do we support Brighter Futures Educational Trust?

Brighter Futures Educational Trust has been a client of Price Bailey’s since its formation. Over the years, we have developed a strong and consistent relationship with the Trust, supporting them with:

statutory audit,
regularity audit,
accounts preparation,
the academy accounts return, and
the teachers’ pension scheme procedures.

Our specialist Tax Team have also historically provided a review of residential accommodation and the benefit in kind treatment. We reviewed the methodology used to compute the relevant benefit charge and provided commentary on the process.

The Trust’s leadership, including its Chair of Trustees, plays an active and committed role in governance, and our team presents findings to the Governing Board annually each autumn.

As a provider of special education, Brighter Futures Educational Trust plays a vital role in the community – something many of us at Price Bailey, as parents ourselves, deeply value.

Schools for children with special educational needs operate under a slightly more complex funding model, involving both the Department for Education and local authorities. These nuances mean our team regularly draws on wider expertise across Price Bailey to ensure we’re offering the best advice and insights. The Brighter Futures Educational Trust engagement is a great example of how our Academy specialists work together – combining technical knowledge, sector understanding and teamwork to deliver joined-up support.

C Cosson, Head of Finance & Operations at Brighter Futures Educational Trust:

We have worked with Price Bailey for several years, and have found the team to be very professional, knowledgeable, and approachable. They do an excellent job of keeping us informed as the audit progresses, and provide constructive feedback . They are at the end of the phone throughout the year, not just at the time of the audit; we are always able to approach our audit manager/ partner with any technical or best practice queries. In addition, Price Bailey provide regular training/ update sessions which are extremely useful.

India Payne, Audit & Assurance Assistant Manager:

Trusts like Brighter Futures Educational Trust are so important – they offer specialist support, care and attention that children with additional needs simply can’t always get in mainstream settings. It’s a privilege to support a sector that makes such a difference to families.