Founded in 2014, Wickersley Partnership Trust (WPT) is committed to delivering outstanding education and creating opportunities for students to develop socially, emotionally, academically and physically to achieve the highest possible standards.
Today, the Trust comprises five secondary schools, eight primary schools, a sixth form, and five integrated resource provisions across mainly in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, and also in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire.
Duncan & Toplis began working with WPT in 2016 during a period of significant expansion. In that year alone, the Trust grew from its founding secondary college and community school to incorporate seven additional primary schools.
As WPT expanded, so did the complexity of its financial and governance requirements. Duncan & Toplis has since provided a comprehensive range of support, including:
Throughout the partnership, knowledge sharing between WPT and Duncan & Toplis has been fundamental, including discussions around systems improvements and emerging issues in the academy sector.
In addition to this strategic support, Duncan & Toplis delivers key statutory services, including the End of Year Certificate (EOYC) for Teachers’ Pensions and accounts preparation for the Trust’s financial returns.
Beyond compliance, Duncan & Toplis works closely with WPT to strengthen its financial reporting and governance frameworks. This includes developing a clear and accessible year-end reporting structure for trustees, helping to translate complex financial information into meaningful insights that support informed decision-making among key stakeholders.
Kirstie Lee, Chief Financial Officer at WPT, highlights the long-standing value of the partnership:
“We have partnered with Duncan & Toplis for over a decade, a testament to their deep understanding of our industry and consistent delivery of high-quality service. Over this time, we have developed a strong and highly effective working relationship. The team communicates complex information with clarity and professionalism, ensuring we fully understand all aspects of their advice and recommendations.
“Through our collaboration, we have significantly enhanced our knowledge of auditing. Their guidance has enabled us to refine and improve our internal systems, resulting in greater operational efficiency.
“Duncan & Toplis has provided invaluable support in key areas such as the development and management of our fixed asset registers. The team has also undertaken a comprehensive review of our financial policies, offering insightful recommendations that have delivered considerable value to our organisation.
“Their extensive knowledge and expertise are complemented by a responsive and proactive approach. They consistently address our queries promptly, which is critical to our business operations. Overall, their support has been instrumental, and we hold their services in the highest regard.”
Rachel Barrett, Head of Academies at Duncan & Toplis, reflects on the partnership:
“WPT is a forward-thinking trust with a clear commitment to continuous improvement and delivering the best outcomes for its communities. Their openness and willingness to engage with new ideas has made it possible to implement meaningful improvements together.
“Since 2016, we’ve supported the Trust through a period of substantial growth, helping to strengthen areas such as management reporting, finance function centralisation, and year-end processes.
Our team works closely alongside their senior management team, and that collaborative approach has been key, with a truly effective partnership, open communication and a shared focus on achieving the right outcomes.”
Duncan & Toplis supports academies through tailored school accounting services, helping them navigate VAT, pension obligations, charitable activities and compliance with confidence.
Contact Rachel Barrett, Business Services Director and Head of Academies, or your usual Duncan & Toplis Adviser for how we can help you.
