Academies and education

Having previously worked with Kreston Reeves as part of another Multi Academy Trust I was delighted to be moving back to work with them this year. Maritime have just completed their first annual external audit with Kreston Reeves and the service was as exemplary as expected. The whole team is responsive, knowledgeable, helpful and efficient. They are always happy to provide advice and support throughout the year, not just during the audits and it is this level of service and going that extra mile that really set Kreston Reeves apart from other auditors. I would highly recommend them to anyone that was considering using their services!

Louise Mitchell, Chief Financial Officer, Ebbsfleet Green Primary School

Having just completed our 1st audit under Kreston Reeves, we have been very impressed with their support, guidance and professionalism. It was always a concern moving away from our previous known auditors and what to expect but the whole transition has been seamless. Everyone within the team are approachable and available to unpick queries however small, feeding back in an easily understood way. A pleasurable experience if an audit can ever be that!

Andy Fisher, School Business Manager, Sandwich Technology School

The Stour Academy Trust became a Trust just over two and a half years ago. We chose Kreston Reeves to support us as accountants because they gave us confidence that they would guide us on our journey. The teams are always friendly, no question is too small and nothing is ever a problem. Of all the services that we now have to deal with we find they are the most approachable group of people. They are down to earth, have a sense of humour and thankfully do not use accountants jargon. However they always remain professional in their approach whether dealing with school staff, governors or directors. Kreston Reeves have helped us build in confidence and we find now that we need to contact them less. As a growing Trust, we have never looked back. Would we choose them again? Most definitely!

Vikki Tottman, Director of HR, The Stour Academy Trust

Kreston Reeves have been our auditors since February 2014 when they were Spofforths LLP. With our tender process we were looking for a local provincial firm that was partner-led, able to provide a full and concise audit service as well as offering us a quality payroll bureau. Kreston Reeves have delivered on this year after year. We have always found our audit partner, Mrs Sarah Ediss, and her team, very professional and knowledgeable of both UK accounting standards and the SORP. Crucially, they understand how a school works which is very important to a busy Bursar! I would have no hesitation in recommending Kreston Reeves to any independent school.

Paul Flowerday, Bursar, Micklefield School

As a small primary trust the conversion to academy status was a daunting prospect for us. We chose to work with Simon Webber and his team in Chichester because of their experience in the sector and because they were local enough to give a close and personalised level of service. Their detailed understanding of academy accounting and governance regulations allowed us to move forward with confidence that we were on a solid footing. The support they have given us during our conversion, throughout the year and beyond was superb and exactly what we needed. The professional and friendly approach from all their staff made me feel at ease during what was my first experience of an audit process.

Nicky Schofield, School Business Manager, Oak Academy Trust

The Island Learning Trust was formed in November 2016. During the first year of operation we had so many new processes and procedures to develop, embrace. Thankfully we engaged in careful research, best value and best service reviews before deciding on key service providers. Kreston Reeves came highly recommended by other trusts we had links with. The recommendations, the Kreston Reeves core offer and the friendly, personable approach of key personnel led to their appointment as our accountants: a decision that we have not regretted. In all exchanges, visits they are professional, approachable, down to earth and realistic! Providing outstanding customer service is clearly a key performance indicator and that is exactly what Phil Reynolds and his team have delivered for The Island Learning Trust! We have benefitted greatly from their skills, experience and common sense approach to customer service. I have no hesitation in recommending them to other Trusts and The Island Learning Trust will be remaining with Kreston Reeves as we continue our journey: they have met and exceeded our expectations!

Debbie Wheeler, Chief Executive Officer, The Island Learning Trust

We chose Kreston Reeves because of their proactive approach towards the significant risks, challenges and responsibilities we knew we would face as we established ourselves as an academy outside Local Authority control. The Kreston Reeves team has worked with us throughout our transition from LA maintained school to SAT and to MAT and we couldn’t be happier with the service and support we have received. Phil Reynolds and his specialist Academies and Education team have provided us with professional and knowledgeable advice that keeps us well informed on current issues, their help and support is timely, clear and invaluable in helping us to navigate the heavily regulated and increasingly complex education sector and based on our experiences, we would have no reservations in recommending Kreston Reeves to other colleagues.

Julia Knight, Chief Financial Officer, CASTLE Trust

Kreston Reeves have worked with our Academy Trust for the past 3 years. They are extremely professional and have a vast knowledge of the education sector. We have a very good working relationship with Kreston Reeves and they are always available for any queries that arise, be it in terms of financial information required or general Academy queries. We find Kreston Reeves to be very professional and would not hesitate in recommending them. They are able to provide any information required and in our opinion go above and beyond to ensure we are compliant with all ESFA regulations and legislation. Kreston Reeves take the time to understand the needs of our Trust and are always on hand to provide advice when needed. With the help of Kreston Reeves, we have been able to further develop our internal processes and systems to ensure our financial strategy is fully met. I would not hesitate in recommending Kreston Reeves and believe they have the professionalism and qualities needed to ensure any Academy or Academy Trust can progress.

Tina Lovey, Chief Executive Officer, Rivermead Inclusive Trust

In addition to well delivered and managed annual internal and external audits, Kreston Reeves is always readily available to assist on a wide variety of queries. Both our Audit Manager and Audit Partner are quick to respond to queries on a wide variety of subject areas, and provide regular and timely updates on changes in both the Education and Charities sectors. They also run frequent training sessions on a broad range of relevant issues. Their help on Governance and compliance in particular has been of great value in the transition to becoming a MAT.

Zoe Lever, Chief Financial Officer, The LIFT Partnership

We have used Kreston Reeves since our conversion in September 2015. They have always been professional in their approach and have delivered a broad suite of internal audit programmes to the Trust. Their honest, clear and next steps feedback means that we have refined some processes so that they are more efficient. For us, their ability to deliver a bespoke internal programme which meets our specific needs has been invaluable – for example reviewing nursery income processes or reviewing personnel processes and files as it has added to our quality assurance and development of our staff skills and experience. The Kreston Reeves team have excellent interpersonal skills and have built the confidence of our school teams when undergoing external scrutiny – so that they welcome the visits. In the words of one of our school colleagues: “I enjoyed it, I learned a lot although I had to make sure that I was prepared.” I recommend them unreservedly.

Hilary Sanders, CEO, Medway Anglican Schools Trust

The Finance Committee and I have been delighted with the service received since appointing Kreston Reeves. At all levels the staff are pro-active, knowledgeable and efficient and have developed an excellent working relationship with relevant people in the School. Advice beyond the scope of the audit has been provided formally and informally and been to a high standard whilst fees have been transparent, with no surprises and great value for money. I am happy to recommend the firm and do so with absolute confidence.

Stuart Ansell, Chief Operating Officer and Clerk to the Governors, Box Hill School