Framework for auditors and reporting accountants of colleges

This framework and guide is for external auditors and reporting accountants of colleges.

It covers the Department for Education (DfE) audit and regularity assurance requirements for:

• further education colleges
• sixth-form colleges
• institutions established or designated under the provisions of the Further and Higher Education Act 1992 (‘designated institutions’)

It replaces the post-16 audit code of practice for colleges.

Using the framework and guide

Read the framework and guide alongside any agreements setting out the conditions of funding, including:including the:

• the college’s accountability agreements with DfE and Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA)
• the college’s grant funding agreements with DfE and ESFA  
• the college’s contracts with DfE and ESFA  
• the college financial handbook

This framework and guide is in effect from 1 August 2024.

Guidance on preparing and submitting annual reports and financial statements (accounts) is given in college accounts direction.

The college accounts direction handbook from the Association of Colleges (AOC) gives detailed guidance on the preparation of college accounts, including a model set of accounts.