Thinking FinanceProcurement and Benchmarking
Get in touch nowGet more value for your money through smarter spending and strategic supplier selection.
Every pound spent inefficiently is a pound not reaching the classroom. Procurement and benchmarking support from Thinking Financial helps schools and MATs understand exactly how their spending compares to the sector, where the biggest opportunities for savings sit and how to move contracts onto stronger terms, without compromising on quality or service.
We know what the DfE expects schools to demonstrate around value for money, and we know where trusts typically leave savings on the table simply because contracts have never been formally benchmarked.
What's included
- Spend analysis and benchmarking against sector and DfE reference data
- Contract review across your highest-value categories; premises, catering, ICT, cleaning and supply staff
- Support consolidating contracts across a MAT's schools for better rates
- Framework compliance guidance, reducing procurement risk as well as cost
- Renewal-cycle planning, so opportunities to renegotiate aren't missed
Real savings, sustainably delivered
Our approach is always solution-focused, we design sustainable answers that strengthen financial resilience over the long term, not one-off cuts that create problems down the line.
Whether you're consolidating procurement across a growing MAT for the first time, or reviewing established contracts that haven't been benchmarked in years, we'll bring order, clarity, and consistency to how your school or trust buys.
Because every pound saved on procurement is a pound that can go further for your pupils.
Get in touch
“We wanted a website that just worked — something simple, clean, and reliable that we could keep up to date without constant external support. That’s exactly what Thinking Solutions for Education delivered. From the very first conversation, they understood what we needed and translated it into a professional, easy-to-navigate site that reflects who we are. The process was smooth, the team was responsive, and most importantly, the end result is something we’re proud to share with our school community.”
“We’ve worked closely with the HR and Finance experts at Thinking Solutions for Education, and their flexible, responsive approach has made a real difference to how our trust operates. It’s allowed our leadership team and schools to stay focused on delivering the best outcomes for pupils, knowing that our internal operations are in safe, capable hands.”
“TSfE felt like an extension of our own team approachable, knowledgeable, and always ready with practical advice.”
“Thinking Solutions has supported our expanding nursery provision across the South and South West with everything from HR to Marketing and Technology. Their deep understanding of the sector gives me complete confidence that we’re in safe hands and that our young people are, too.”