The Department for Education (DfE) has updated its guidance on the School Estate Management Standards Annual Return, providing further detail on the questions Responsible Bodies will be asked and how the return will work in practice.

The first return opened in September 2026, the publication of the questions gives Responsible Bodies an opportunity to consider how their current estate management arrangements align with the Standards.

How Can Concertus Help?
We provide specialist support to schools, academies and multi-academy trusts in effectively managing and planning their estates. Our expertise covers a broad range of areas, including estate strategy, condition assessments, statutory compliance, sustainability, and capital investment planning.

Our education estate specialists can work with Responsible Bodies to review their existing estate management processes against the School Estate Management Standards. We can identify key areas for development, highlight potential risks, and help establish clear, practical actions to support ongoing estate improvement.

If you are preparing for your Annual Return and would benefit from an independent review of your estate management arrangements, the Concertus team can provide advice and support tailored to your organisation’s needs.

Please email Enquiries@concertus.co.uk or call Matthew Smith on 07717 302 252 to find out more.

You can find our new brochure, The Future of Education – Estate Management here.