Top 5 Insights for School Suppliers in 2025
For businesses serious about growing in the UK education sector in 2025, five important insights for school suppliers are essential to be aware of this year.
05 January 20251. School Rated Badge
It's all about the School Rated Badge this year - With a huge push with schools to focus on the best suppliers with the highest ratings it's important for you to get ahead early and ensure your ratings and reviews on the National Register of Education Suppliers at Incensu are helping to earn you the 5 Star School Ratings Badge.
2. Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill published by the Department for Education (December 2024)
Look out for the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill published by the Department for Education (December 2024). It's certainly worth a read so suppliers know what could be coming down the line, putting you in a strong position to support schools with future challenges. A link to the policy notes for the Bill can be found in the Education Marketing Hub in the Incensu dashboard.
3. Live events and conferences
A diverse mix of face-to-face exhibitions, awards events, and conferences are already on the calendar for 2025. Meeting school decision-makers at these events helps to foster great business relationships that last for many years. Incensu members get generous discounts on face-to-face exhibiting and sponsorship, so check out the discount codes in the Education Marketing Hub before booking - saving suppliers hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds on the marketing budget for 2025.
4. Procurement Act - Scheduled to take effect in February 2025
In 2025, a significant change in school procurement within the UK is the implementation of the Procurement Act 2024, scheduled to take effect on 24 February 2025. This new legislation introduces a reformed public procurement regime with a particular emphasis on 'social value', moving away from reliance on large multinational corporations. This shift is intended to empower communities by driving local growth, boosting jobs, and supporting small businesses.
5. Framework Agreements
Another significant change to school procurement in 2025 is the increased emphasis on framework agreements. The use of frameworks has grown substantially, with the value of contracts awarded through these agreements rising from £10 billion in 2019 to over £35 billion in 2023 and set to rise further in 2025. Suppliers are encouraged to make it clear on their profile on the National Register of Education Suppliers any framework agreements they are approved on so schools can easily procure their goods and services through these routes.
Source: Incensu Education Marketing Resource
Incensu says: Ensure your profile on the National Register is up-to-date, relevant, and compelling for schools with all the information they need to make procurement decisions in 2025.