RICS Registered Valuer

Specialist School & Public Sector Property Valuations

Accurate. Compliant. Defensible.

Providing RICS Red Book compliant valuations that give Academy Trusts, Local Authorities and Public Sector organisations confidence in their financial reporting.

RICS Compliant

Valuations prepared in accordance with the RICS Red Book, SORP 2019 and FRS 102.

Accurate & Reliable

Robust DRC methodology delivering accurate, consistent and defensible results.

Audit Defensible

Clear reporting with full supporting evidence for audit and compliance.

No Obligation

Initial professional advice with no obligation. Free and confidential.

We Are Experts in Academy Valuations

Trusted, RICS-Compliant Valuation Advice

  • RICS Chartered Surveyor & Registered Valuer
  • Specialist Knowledge of the education and public sector
  • Regulatory Compliance with SORP 2019 and FRS 102
  • Tailored Valuation reflecting your school's condition and use
  • RICS Red Book-compliant DRC valuation methodology
  • Commitment to precision, transparency and integrity
Our Services

Specialist Valuation Services

Expert valuation advice tailored to the unique requirements of the education sector and public sector organisations.

Academy Trust Valuations

RICS Red Book and DRC valuations for Academy Trusts and schools, prepared for financial reporting and audit compliance under SORP 2019 and FRS 102.

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Preparing for Your Valuation

A clear checklist of the information we need from your team, so the valuation process runs smoothly from the outset.

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Guidance & Updates

Key insights on the Academies Accounts Direction 2024 and what the updated guidance means for your Trust's valuations.

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Supporting the Education & Public Sector

Who We Work With

Academy Trusts
Multi Academy Trusts
Local Authorities
Public Sector Bodies
Schools & Colleges
Charitable Trusts
Professional Guidance

Keep Your Valuations Current

While the five-year cycle is standard, relying solely on it can leave your Trust exposed. Several factors may justify an earlier update to ensure compliance, audit readiness, and strategic decision-making.

"Maintaining current and accurate valuations isn't just about reporting — it's about protecting the integrity and future of your school estate."

Read the DRC Guide
What Our Clients Say

"We would have no hesitation in recommending Strawhorn Surveyors to other Academy Trusts seeking reliable and professional valuation support."

Robert Kennington (F.C.C.A.) Chief Financial and Operating Officer, The Constellation Trust

"During the on-boarding process when we are spinning so many plates, it is reassuring to have a reliable company to produce valuations, in a professional timely manner."

Andy Collishaw Chief Operating Officer, New College Durham Academies Trust

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Academies face unique challenges when valuing their estates for financial statements, statutory accounts, and asset management. Understanding the complexities of Depreciated Replacement Cost (DRC) methodology, funding audits and SORP 2019/FRS 102 accounting standards is crucial for financial transparency. My role is to provide clear, reliable, and compliant valuations that give Academy Trusts confidence in their reporting.

A Depreciated Replacement Cost (DRC) valuation estimates the cost to rebuild a school using modern construction methods and materials, less depreciation due to age, condition, and wear. The DRC method gives a true reflection of the value of a school's physical estate, ensuring fair representation in financial statements and compliance with accounting standards.

Typically, academies should update their DRC valuation every five years. However, if significant changes occur to the building, or there are impending audits, more frequent updates may be required.

An incorrect valuation can lead to discrepancies in financial statements, which could affect audit results and potentially hinder financial planning. That's why it's essential to work with an RICS Red Book-compliant surveyor to ensure the valuation is accurate.

In brief, to facilitate an accurate valuation, academies should provide:

  • Floor plans & site maps — these help surveyors understand the structure and layout of the property.
  • Renovation or extension details — any recent changes or improvements that may affect the valuation.
  • Building age & condition — information about the school's age and its overall state of repair, essential for assessing depreciation.

Please see the Services page for full details required.

Need a Valuation?

Let's Discuss Your Requirements

Get in touch today for a no-obligation discussion about your DRC valuation requirements and how we can help.