Case Studies
Derby Cathedral School
Pre-opening Support
Schools’ Buying Club has developed an ongoing relationship with Derby Diocesan Academy Trust (DDAT) which was formed in response to the national academy and free school programmes. Schools’ Buying Club provided a comprehensive pre-opening service to the Trust, including principal designate recruitment, governance, finance, marketing, education policy development and section 10 consultation. Derby Cathedral school opened successfully in 2018 with 180 Year 7 students and was oversubscribed for the first year of operation. Schools’ Buying Club has continued to work with DDAT on a number of additional projects.
Dr Challoner’s High School, Amersham
Procurement of a new ICT managed service
Schools’ Buying Club helped Dr Challoner’s High School with the tender for their ICT service. They were very pleased with the process that we designed, lead, and facilitated – particularly with the diligence of our lead procurement expert.
“We were very pleased with SBC, who led the procurement process for our ICT tender. The SBC procurement specialist was a pleasure to work with, was easy to get hold of on the phone and via email, and provided us with regular updates.” Edward Walter, Assistant Headteacher
Tudor Park Education Trust, Feltham
Procurement of a new catering service
The catering function at this secondary school was previously operating at a net loss. Following the tender managed by SBC, the school receives a guaranteed income of £50k over the initial 3 year contract period, plus a £44k investment in the catering facilities.
“SBC has helped us turn our catering service around and bring more money in to the Trust.”
The Orchards
Pre-opening Support
The Orchards was the first special free school in Trafford and caters for 4 – 11 years old students with complex learning needs. The Orchards is operated by The Dunham Trust which also operates Elmridge Primary School and Acre Hall Primary School. The Dunham Trust appointed Schools’ Buying Club to provide project management support for the pre–opening phase including advice on governance, education, finance and stakeholder consultation.
“The support given by Schools’ Buying Club felt like having an extended procurement team within the trust. The officers were excellent, communicative, always available to provide advice and guidance, informed, and understanding of our context and needs. Schools’ Buying Club has now supported us with cleaning, catering and ICT managed service tenders, and I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending them to other trusts - excellent service.”