Financial Benchmarking allows schools to compare their income and expenditure patterns with those of other similar schools. It is especially useful for schools with, or who are forecasting, a deficit budget.
The comparisons can be used to help school managers and governors to identify unexpected differences, set targets for improvement, and achieve best value.
The DfE also publishes Performance Tables where school performance, characteristics and spend per pupil data for LA maintained schools can be viewed and compared. The latest set of financial accounts can also be viewed and compared for academies