Integrated Curriculum Financial Planning

ICFP stands for Integrated Curriculum Financial Planning. It helps a school use resources as effectively and efficiently as possible. It does so by systematically analysing all aspects of the educational provision within a school setting to ensure that financial planning process effectively balances the allocation and expenditure of resources.

ICFP uses a reasonably simple set of metrics that assist with collaborative decision-making across the leadership triangle, requiring involvement from school business professionals, senior pedagogical leaders and governors/trustees.

You can read more about ICFP in the ISBL Approach to ICFP.

What are the ICFP threshold data sheets?

The thresholds are based on DfE statistical data and have been developed through our experience of applying ICFP to a wide range of schools’ data through insights from the ISBL School Resource Management Advisers. ISBL oversee the review of the threshold data using a group of sector specialists twice a year and produced updates following these meetings, where required. The Green thresholds are, from our experience, where schools should ideally aim for with consideration to their own strategic aims and context.

The threshold data sheets include both Primary and Secondary threshold metrics which can be used to benchmark against school or trust data. These thresholds are reviewed and updated twice a year, making our data one of the most up-to-date available and they are produced following extensive scrutiny and external quality assurance through a panel of SRM experts.

The data should be used alongside a thorough understanding of how to use and implement ICFP in your school/trust. Context is key when interpreting ICFP metrics and there may be good reasons why your school falls into another threshold band.

For individuals and organisations wanting to purchase the threshold data sheets which form the basis of the ASOT and ASOT Essentials tools, without purchasing the tool, then they can now be purchased separately.

Who can purchase the threshold data sheets?

The data sheets can be purchased by individual schools and trusts, consultants* or organisations (excluding local authorities) and purchasers can then embed the thresholds within their own Management Information Systems (MIS) and allow colleagues within their school, trust or organisation access to these thresholds, where they have the appropriate purchase rights from ISBL. However, the threshold data is not for resale and should not be used or embedded as part of any other MIS for commercial resale without the express consent of ISBL in writing.

If you would like to purchase either tool or threshold data for use by finance staff within a local authority or else for an organisation for commercial gain as part of a MIS, product or services, please email training@isbl.org.uk and we will email your our pricing model and purchase options.

The threshold data is under the copyright of ISBL and Ash House Consultancy Ltd and has been produced following extensive scrutiny and external quality assurance.  The threshold data is solely for individual and organisational use in calculating and benchmarking ICFP metrics.  The threshold data is not for resale and should not be used or embedded as part of any other management information systems for commercial resale without the express consent of ISBL in writing.  ISBL reserves the right to seek legal recourse should any individual or business be found to be using the ISBL threshold data for commercial gain or wider sharing.  The threshold data content remains the property of ISBL.

*Consultants should purchase the version of the tool or thresholds licence that best represents the number of schools they expect to be supporting with their services.

How much does it cost to purchase?

The threshold sheets are sold based on the number of school(s) (within a MAT, federation or other structure) that the data will be used for. The threshold data purchased is valid from 1st April until 31st March in the corresponding financial year and the price includes any threshold updates or adjustments made within this period.

There are ISBL member rate and a non-member rates for our data sheets. All rates quoted below are inclusive of VAT and include updates:

Please also be aware of the additional threshold costs as detailed below.

Please note that payment is required by debit or credit card only and will be accessible as a downloadable PDF straight away.  If this is any issue please contact training@isbl.org.uk.

One of the benefits of being an ISBL member is being able to access the member rates for training and conferences. If you are not a member, you can find out more about joining ISBL here.

To be able to access the ISBL member rate, your membership needs to be active before you purchase.

Threshold updates

All threshold updates will be included as part of the the initial price until 31st March 2025. After this point you can renew your annual threshold updates at the reduced prices shown below (all prices include VAT):

How can I purchase the threshold data sheets?

Click on the link below and identify the number of schools that you would like to purchase the data for: