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Past Event

VAT for Academies: The Bits That Catch People Out

Zoom

Wed 17 June 2026

14:00 - 15:00

Zoom

THIS IS A PAST EVENT

Join us for our next webinar in our Driving School Success series. These webinars will provide accessible, high-quality CPD focused on effective operations and strategic decision-making to help schools and trusts thrive.

VAT is complex at the best of times and for academies it is especially complex, with a unique recovery regime, blurred boundaries, and persistent myths about what is and is not allowed. This webinar cuts through the confusion, highlights the areas that most often catch academies out, and helps you understand how VAT actually applies to academies so risks can be properly managed.

Overview: The VAT framework for academies

  • How VAT applies to academies and multi‑academy trusts
  • Overview of standard VAT principles relevant to academies

The special VAT recovery regime- Rules and reliefs

  • How the academy VAT refund scheme works
  • What types of expenditure are typically recoverable
  • Key conditions and limitations
  • When an academy is not ‘special’- Hidden pitfalls and misconceptions

Trading and non‑educational activities

  • Charity status
  • HMRC challenges

Event Organiser

Event Main Sponsor

Event Overview

Hydeam Sulton

Hydeam Sulton

VAT Partner, Clive Owen LLP

Hydeam is VAT partner at Clive Owen LLP and leads the firm’s VAT advisory team.

He has over 20+ years advising on VAT across practice, industry, and HMRC.

As a former HMRC Head of Tax Professionalism, he has deep knowledge of HMRC compliance methodology and approach and regularly assist clients with HMRC checks and investigations.

Hydeam is passionate about finding practical solutions that create real value, whether that’s improving cash flow, achieving absolute VAT savings or helping clients manage their VAT risk with confidence.

Hydeam is an academies VAT specialist and has advised academy clients extensively on VAT liability of supplies, VAT registration, and VAT recovery issues.


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