The British Educational Suppliers Association (BESA) - who works at the heart of the UK education sector, has identified nine key areas that can help schools and MATs make more informed, confident decisions when selecting education suppliers.
From classroom resources and EdTech to specialist services, taking stock of what’s worked well – and what hasn’t – can help schools and MATs make more informed decisions before September.
1. Reputation within the wider school community
One of the strongest indicators of a supplier’s reliability is what other customers say about them.
When reviewing an existing supplier or considering a new one, BESA recommends speaking to peers, seeking recommendations through professional networks and looking for reviews or case studies from similar schools or trusts.
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 schools are considering a digital platform, a wellbeing programme or a classroom resource, they should 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 similar schools
A supplier may have delivered excellent results elsewhere, but can they demonstrate success in a setting like yours?
Schools should 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.
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 the school, its priorities and the challenges they 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.
The end of the academic year is a good time to review whether those costs still reflect the value a supplier is delivering.
7. Robust support and training
A successful purchase is only the beginning of the relationship.
Schools should also 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 BESA’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.
