Education Financial Services

Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) is pleased to confirm that the Education Financial Services (EFS) team is expected to transfer back into direct OCC management from 1 November 2026. From this date, the service will be renamed Schools Finance.

The move will bring the service closer to OCC’s education, finance and school improvement teams, enabling more joined-up support for Oxfordshire schools and settings.

What does this mean for schools?

The priority is continuity. There are no significant changes planned to the traded service and schools should continue to use their existing EFS contacts throughout the transfer period.

Before 1 November, schools will receive new Schools Finance Team contact details. Until then, all existing arrangements and points of contact remain unchanged.

OCC is also reviewing how financial support is provided to schools, with a particular focus on strengthening support for schools facing financial challenges. Closer working between Schools Finance and School Improvement will help provide more coordinated advice alongside existing traded services.

Staffing update

Following recent staffing changes, Andy Flowers has retired from the service, and Bruce Rennie will retire in mid-October. We would like to thank them both for their valued contribution to Oxfordshire schools over many years.

Schools affected by these changes will be contacted directly with details of their new support arrangements. Recruitment to vacant Schools Finance posts will also begin shortly to strengthen the team.

OCC is working closely with Hampshire County Council to ensure a smooth transfer.

What happens next?

Look out for further updates in Schools News and the Early Years Newsletter, where we’ll share important information as arrangements are finalised, including the new Schools Finance Team contact details.

Have a question about what the transfer means for your school? Contact the team at schoolsfinance@oxfordshire.gov.uk for advice and support.