The education sector is facing a crisis that goes beyond the headlines of funding gaps, recruitment challenges, and staff retention. At the heart of the issue lies a crucial question: Where is your school’s money really going?
As schools struggle with escalating staff absences and long-term vacancies, one group is quietly profiting – commercial supply agencies. Schools across the country report paying 50–75% markups on agency supply staff, often for inconsistent value and limited transparency. And yet, despite budget strain and poor value for money, the cycle continues.
But it doesn’t have to…
Created by Schools, for Schools
Schools Mutual Services (SMS) was established by education leaders who had grown tired of watching precious school funds vanish into commercial profits. They envisioned something better – a not-for-profit, school-owned solution with values at its core.
SMS exists to provide a compliant, ethical, and financially responsible alternative to supply agencies. One that reinvests every possible penny back into education, not shareholder dividends.
What’s the Real Cost of Commercial Supply?
- Extortionate markups: Recent DfE research highlights how some agencies charge schools nearly double a supply teacher’s pay.
- Poor value: Schools are paying up to 28% more for roles like Cover Supervisors, with staff earning less.
- Opaque practices: Agencies often refuse to disclose fees and operating margins. Exit clauses and ‘release fees’ of up to 20% come with no compromise.
This isn’t just unsustainable, it’s unacceptable!
SMS: The Ethical, Transparent Alternative
Here’s what makes SMS different:
- Owned and run by schools, governed by educational leaders who understand your world
- Margins capped and costs transparent, always
- Legally compliant, adhering fully to Public Contract Regulations (PCR 2015) and the forthcoming 2025 National Procurement Policy
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No hidden fees, no inducements – just fair, honest service
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Reinvestment, not profiteering – surpluses go straight back into schools
And with participation in the National Workforce Services Framework, SMS stands as a beacon for what ethical, sustainable recruitment can look like.
A Smarter Way Forward
Schools deserve better than sky-high fees and unclear contracts. Every pound spent through a profit-driven agency is a pound diverted from pupils and progress.
SMS is more than a supplier, it’s a movement. A commitment to fairness, to community, and to doing things right.
If your school hasn’t yet had the conversation with SMS, now’s the time.
You can contact us here ➡️ https://bit.ly/4l0ZkYE
📍 Newcastle Office
Portland House, Newcastle, NE1 8AL
📞 0191 933 8300
✉️ info@schoolsmutualservices.co.uk
📞 0191 933 8300
✉️ info@schoolsmutualservices.co.uk
📍 Oxford Office
Harwell Innovation Centre, Curie Avenue, Harwell, Oxford, OX11 0QG
📞 01235 983 120
✉️ oxford@schoolsmutualservices.co.uk
Harwell Innovation Centre, Curie Avenue, Harwell, Oxford, OX11 0QG
📞 01235 983 120
✉️ oxford@schoolsmutualservices.co.uk