Budgets for schools in Birmingham
Each year, we set the amount that maintained schools and providers of early year provision can spend. This includes:
- primary schools
- secondary schools
- special schools
- nursery schools
- academies with nursery classes
We must publish information about individual budgets for early year providers and primary, secondary and special schools by 28 February each year.
Scheme for financing maintained schools
Local authorities must publish their scheme for financing maintained schools. This sets out the financial relationship between the us and the schools we maintain.
The Department for Education's (DfE) statutory guidance lists the provisions which we must, should or may include in our scheme. The DfE guidance is updated annually.
Our scheme does not need to follow the exact format used in the DfE guidance, except for the text of directed revisions.
When making any changes to the scheme, we must:
- consult all maintained schools in our area
- receive approval from the members of our Schools Forum which represents maintained schools
Download the scheme for the financing of maintained schools
School restructures
School restructure business cases must now be submitted to Schools Financial Services. You must allow a minimum of 4 weeks after submission for your business case to be reviewed and approved.
Each business case will be reviewed in relation to:
- finance
- industrial relations
- school improvement
Once assessed, the business case will be submitted to the Spend Control Board. You will then receive an email confirming the outcome.
How to submit your restructure business case
- Download and complete the business restructure template
- Ensure that all required documentation listed within the appendices of the template is included with your submission
- Email your completed form and documents to SFS@birmingham.gov.uk
Incomplete submissions may cause delays. If we need more information or clarification, you may be invited to meet with us to discuss your case.
Pension costs
If your school needs support with gathering pension cost information, email externalpensions@birmingham.gov.uk.
Page last updated: 5 March 2026
