Measured Chartered Accountants for Independent Schools Nationwide in the UK
ABM Chartered Accountants provides expert accounting for independent schools across the UK, from small preparatory schools to large multi-site institutions. Our ICAEW and ACCA qualified team handles VAT on fees, charitable accounts, governors’ reporting and tax planning for school businesses and individual bursars.
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What Our Clients Say About Us
Hundreds of businesses across the UK trust ABM Chartered Accountants for reliable, expert, and genuinely personal accounting services. See why clients rate us as their most trusted financial partner.
Accounting Built for Independent School Operations
Independent schools face accounting challenges that general accountants rarely handle. VAT on fees, rates relief changes, Charities SORP reporting, Teachers’ Pension Scheme administration, bursary fund accounting and Gift Aid all demand advisors who know how independent education operates.
ABM Chartered Accountants works with preparatory schools, senior schools, sixth form colleges, boarding schools and SEND providers across England, delivering structured financial support for school businesses and individual bursars. Every charity account, VAT return and filing is handled accurately.
Helping Schools Manage Fees, VAT and Compliance
Independent schools need more than basic compliance. ABM Chartered Accountants prepares charity accounts, fee VAT calculations, TPS employer returns, bursary reporting, Gift Aid claims and tax planning, giving governors clear visibility over fee income, charitable obligations and financial sustainability.
Whether you operate as a charitable trust, a company limited by guarantee, a sole proprietorship school or a multi-academy trust, our ICAEW and ACCA qualified team adapts to your structure, keeping the school and individual administrators covered on all obligations.
Our Accounting Services for Independent Schools
We offer a full range of accounting, tax and advisory services for independent schools, designed around the demands of fee income, charitable reporting and schools operating across the UK.
Accounting Solutions
Expert annual accounts, year-end reporting, and accurate financial statements for UK businesses.
Bookkeeping
Cloud-based bookkeeping with Xero, QuickBooks, and Sage to keep accounts accurate.
Corporate Tax
Corporation tax compliance, computations, and strategic planning for UK companies.
VAT
VAT registration, quarterly returns, and Making Tax Digital compliance for UK businesses.
Payroll
End-to-end payroll, PAYE, RTI submissions, and pension auto-enrolment managed on time.
Audit & Assurance
Compliance, investigation, stock, and tax audit support for confident financial reporting.
Business Advisory
Cash flow forecasting, growth planning, and advisory support for confident decisions.
Company Formation
Fast UK company formation, Companies House registration, and full HMRC tax setup.
Management Accounts
Monthly or quarterly management accounts with KPIs, variance analysis, and clear insights.
Why Schools Choose ABM Chartered Accountants
Sector Expertise
Strong grasp of school VAT, charity accounts and TPS.
Qualified Specialists
ICAEW and ACCA members experienced with independent schools.
Cloud-Based Delivery
Secure remote access to accounts and filings nationwide.
Supporting Independent Schools Across the UK
ABM Chartered Accountants supports independent schools and education providers throughout England, from London and the South East to the Midlands, North West and beyond. Our cloud-based systems deliver specialist accounting to school businesses nationwide.
How We Work
Initial Consultation
Set Up and Onboard
Ongoing Support
We provide regular reviews and proactive advice to keep your finances optimised and HMRC-compliant.
Get in Touch Today
Whether you need help with your tax return, payroll, VAT, or business advisory, our qualified UK accountants are ready to provide clear, practical guidance for your specific needs.
Book a Consultation
Fill in the form below and one of our expert accountants will contact you promptly to discuss your accounting and tax requirements.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions governors, bursars and school administrators ask about specialist accounting for independent schools.
How does VAT on school fees work?
From January 2025, tuition and boarding fees are standard-rated at 20%. Schools must register, charge VAT on fees and reclaim input VAT on purchases. This changes cash flow significantly.
How are charitable school accounts prepared?
Charitable schools prepare accounts under the Charities SORP including a trustees’ annual report, statement of financial activities, balance sheet and notes. Filing with the Charity Commission is required.
What happened to business rates relief?
From April 2025, charitable independent schools in England lost the 80% rates relief. Schools now pay full business rates. This significant additional cost must be budgeted for carefully.
How is the Teachers' Pension Scheme handled?
Schools contributing to the TPS must calculate and pay employer contributions accurately. End-of-year certification is required. The TPS employer contribution rate is a significant payroll cost that affects budgeting.
Can schools claim Gift Aid on donations?
Yes. Charitable schools can claim Gift Aid on qualifying donations from parents and supporters. Fundraising income, capital campaign gifts and regular giving all qualify if the donor completes a declaration.
Can ABM support independent schools nationwide?
Yes. ABM Chartered Accountants serves independent schools across England using secure cloud-based platforms, delivering specialist accounting to preparatory, senior, boarding and special needs schools.