SCHOOL SUPPLIERS
Advice from BESA: nine things every school should check when choosing a new supplier
H
ow can schools be sure they’re making the right choice when it comes selecting a new supplier? The British Education Suppliers Association (BESA) tells schools where to start.
With budgets under pressure and purchasing decisions facing increased scrutiny, choosing the right education supplier has never been more important for schools and MATs. From classroom resources and assessment tools to EdTech platforms and specialist services, supplier decisions can have a direct impact on staff workload, safeguarding, operational efficiency and pupil outcomes.
BESA works at the heart of the UK education sector, bringing together schools and the organisations that support them. Drawing on insight from across the sector, BESA has identified nine key areas that can help schools and MATs make more informed, confident decisions when selecting education suppliers.
1. Reputation within the wider school community One of the strongest indicators of a supplier’s reliability is what other schools say about them.
Before making a decision, speak to peers, seek recommendations through professional networks and look for reviews or case studies from schools and trusts similar to your own. Consistent positive feedback around customer service, reliability, responsiveness and long-term support can provide valuable reassurance that a supplier will deliver on its promises.
2. Alignment with curriculum, safeguarding and data requirements
Any supplier working within education should understand the responsibilities schools carry around safeguarding, data protection and compliance.
Whether you’re considering a digital platform, a wellbeing programme or a classroom resource, ask suppliers how their product or service aligns with statutory requirements and what measures are in place to protect pupils and staff. Reputable suppliers should be able to explain clearly how they approach safeguarding and data security, rather than relying on generic assurances.
3. Openness and transparency throughout the process Schools should feel confident asking questions and comparing options before making a commitment.
A trustworthy supplier will be open about pricing, implementation requirements, support arrangements and contract terms. Be cautious of organisations that avoid direct answers, discourage comparisons or create pressure to make a quick decision. Transparency from the outset is often a strong indicator of how the relationship will operate in the future.
4. Evidence of impact in schools like yours A supplier may have delivered excellent results elsewhere, but can they demonstrate success in a setting like yours? Ask for references, case studies and evidence from schools or trusts with similar characteristics, challenges or priorities. The needs of a small primary school may be very different from those of a large secondary school or MAT, so it is important to understand how a product or service performs in comparable environments.
8
www.education-today.co.uk
5. Evidence that they understand your needs The best suppliers take time to understand the context they are working in before recommending a solution. Look for organisations that ask questions about your school, your priorities and the challenges you are trying to solve. Suppliers that rely on generic, one-size-fits-all approaches may struggle to deliver meaningful value. Strong education suppliers recognise that every school and trust operates differently and tailor their support accordingly.
6. Transparent pricing
Understanding the true cost of a product or service is essential. Schools should have a clear picture of costs across the full life of a contract, including implementation, training, licensing, renewals, support packages and any additional charges. Transparent pricing allows decision-makers to compare options properly and avoid unexpected costs further down the line.
7. Robust support and training
A successful purchase is only the beginning of the relationship. Consider what support is available once implementation begins. Will staff receive appropriate training? Is ongoing support easy to access? How quickly are issues resolved? A strong supplier should help schools get the most from their investment and provide confidence that help will be available when it is needed.
8. Clear, honest communication Good supplier relationships are built on trust. From the first conversation onwards, communication should be realistic, responsive and straightforward. Trustworthy suppliers will answer difficult questions honestly, avoid making unrealistic promises and communicate openly if challenges arise. Schools should feel confident that they are receiving accurate information rather than a sales pitch.
9. Recognised standards and quality marks Schools are increasingly looking for ways to identify suppliers that demonstrate professionalism, accountability and high standards. One indicator can be membership of respected sector organisations or recognised quality marks. For example, suppliers that are ‘Backed by BESA’ have committed to the association’s Code of Practice, which covers areas such as quality, integrity, transparency, safeguarding and responsible engagement with schools.
While a quality mark like BESA’s should never replace a school’s own due diligence, it can provide an additional layer of confidence when evaluating potential suppliers.
Choosing the right supplier is about more than finding the lowest price or the newest product. Schools and MATs need partners who understand education, communicate openly and can demonstrate trust, accountability and long-term support. As schools look ahead to the new academic year, taking the time to consider these nine areas can help ensure supplier decisions deliver lasting value for staff, pupils and the wider school community.
To explore suppliers that are Backed by BESA and committed to the association’s Code of Practice, visit the BESA Member Directory.
July/August 2026
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40
