Schools Mutual Services (SMS) is taking a stand against profiteering in the education sector by highlighting that it offers a fair and transparent alternative to traditional supply agencies.
Nick Hurn, CEO of SMS, emphasised the organisation’s commitment to disrupting unethical practices in the industry:
“We are vehemently opposed to the profiteering in the sector and will continue to disrupt the ‘cosy’ relationships that exist in certain regions in England.”
Recent reports have exposed the shocking reality that some supply agencies are taking advantage of the teacher shortage by charging schools nearly double a supply teacher’s pay. The Department for Education’s research, alongside calls from the National Education Union (NEU) to end the dominance of commercial agencies, highlights the urgency of an ethical, school-led solution.
Only this week, Schools Mutual Services has received confirmation that some schools are paying up to 28% more for Cover Supervisors, with the valuable member of staff receiving less. Additionally, a complete refusal to be transparent with operating margins and release fees at 20% with no compromise or flexibility – when there is no charge with SMS.
A not-for-profit, school-owned alternative
SMS is a true not-for-profit organisation, owned by member schools and governed by experienced education leaders. It was founded to provide schools with a legally compliant, financially responsible, and ethical alternative to commercial supply agencies.
The SMS Governance Board, made up of from current executive leaders, reaffirmed the organisation’s mission:
“We are an ethically driven organisation, established for the benefit of the sector and are working with schools and academies nationally to present better options that focus on educational outcomes. SMS is committed to delivering ethical, transparent, and legally compliant recruitment services that prioritise both educators and schools.”
Delivering value, compliance, and transparency
SMS provides a fully compliant national solution for schools, academies, and multi-academy trusts. With the current strain on school budgets, it is more important than ever to identify ethical options that deliver value for money. SMS ensures:
Public procurement compliance – SMS operates in full accordance with Public Contract Regulations (PCR) 2015 and the upcoming National Procurement Policy Statement (2025), guaranteeing legal and financial accountability.
No inducement or contract breach – SMS does not encourage supply staff to break existing contracts. Instead, it offers a compliant, value-for-money alternative that prioritises fairness and transparency.
Fair and transparent financial practices – Unlike traditional agencies, SMS reinvests surplus funds back into education, ensuring teachers and support staff receive appropriate pay without excessive markups.
Ethical recruitment approach – As a participant in the National Workforce Services Framework, SMS adheres to the highest ethical and procurement standards, providing a sustainable alternative to costly private agencies.
With regional offices in Newcastle, Oxford, and Nottingham, SMS works with schools across the whole of the North East, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicester, Oxfordshire and Swindon. Each office is embedded within its local education community, working in partnership with school trusts, teaching alliances such as OTSA, and local authorities to deliver tailored supply staffing support across primary and secondary education, whether that is day-to-day supply teaching or long-term placements. From multi academy trusts to community primary and special schools, SMS is helping educational establishments navigate financial pressures with a smarter, more sustainable solution for supply teachers and support staff, that puts pupil outcomes first.
North East Hub
Portland House, Newcastle, NE1 8AL
📞 0191 933 8300
✉️ info@schoolsmutualservices.co.uk
South East Hub
Podium Sandford Gate, Littlemore, Oxford OX4 6LB
📞 01865 597 771
✉️ oxford@schoolsmutualservices.co.uk
East Midlands Hub
16 Commerce Square, Nottingham NG1 1HS
📞 0115 646 6460
✉️ nottingham@schoolsmutualservices.co.uk