At WCBS, we are proud to announce that passFINANCE Payroll has once again been officially recognised by HMRC for the upcoming tax year. This recognition reaffirms our commitment to compliance and excellence, ensuring that independent schools have a payroll solution that meets both government standards and the unique requirements of the independent education sector.

Understanding the Risks

Cyberattacks on schools have surged in recent years, with threats ranging from phishing scams and invoice fraud to ransomware attacks that can lock critical systems and demand hefty payments.

  • Phishing Emails: Attackers pose as trusted contacts to trick staff into revealing sensitive data.
  • Invoice Fraud: Fraudsters intercept or impersonate school suppliers to change payment details.
  • Ransomware Attacks: Cybercriminals encrypt school data and demand ransom payments for its release.

Designed specifically for Independent Schools

Payroll in independent schools is far from standard. Unlike many commercial payroll solutions designed for businesses of all types, passFINANCE Payroll is built specifically for Independent schools. Finance teams in education settings have to manage complex pay structures, teachers’ pensions, multiple contracts, and sector-specific compliance requirements. That’s why a tailored system like passFINANCE Payroll is essential.

With features designed around school needs, passFINANCE Payroll simplifies and streamlines payroll management, giving bursars and finance teams the confidence that their payroll is accurate, compliant, and efficient.

Key Features for Independent Schools

HMRC Recognised & RTI Compliant

Fully tested and approved for the 2025-26 tax year, passFINANCE Payroll includes updates such as Neonatal Care Leave and Pay and enhanced RTI validation checks

Education-Specific Functionality

Beyond compliance, passFINANCE Payroll offers features tailored for independent schools:

 

✔ Contract Scales & Scale Points – Manage pay structures seamlessly

 

✔ Automatic Scale Point Uplift – No manual calculations needed

 

✔ Contracts Management – Stay organised with built-in contract tracking

 

✔ Teachers’ Pensions & Returns – Ensure accurate contributions and reporting

 

✔ Aviva Returns – ISBA-recommended TPA alternative, fully supported

 

✔ Entitlements Management – Track leave, benefits, and allowances effortlessly

 

✔ Education-Specific Fields – Capture data like subject specialisms and more

 

The right Payroll Solution for Independent Schools

By choosing passFINANCE Payroll, independent schools gain more than just a payroll system; they get a solution built with their specific challenges in mind. Our commitment to HMRC compliance, combined with our deep understanding of school finance, means finance teams can focus on what matters most: supporting staff and ensuring smooth operations.

If you’re looking for a payroll system that truly understands independent schools, get in touch with WCBS today.

Want to learn more? Reach out today.