Directory of Services

Schools’ choice is a team of 150 education experts supporting trust leaders drive effective business management solutions. 

We work in partnership with trusts to create effective outsourced, managed service, consultancy and software solutions to enable your trust to successfully integrate operations. We are motivated to provide top-quality educational management services that enable schools to run smoothly and effectively. With our help, trusts can focus on what’s important, educating students safely, while saving time and money along the way. 

Our educational management services are designed to support schools in all aspects of their operations. Our dedicated team of academy trust experts are highly knowledgeable and experienced working with academy trusts. Our teams understand the expectations on the sector having evolved our service solutions since the academies act 2010. With our partnership working, we can provide a comprehensive service as an extended part of your trust team. We can help with everything from operational school business administration to strategic business partner solutions, and committed to providing a high-quality service. With our high impact support, trusts have developed and grown successfully through governance reviews, implementation of effective finance systems and processes, providing HR consultancy and risk management reviews through our internal assurance services.

Our new partnership with Sage to provide Sage Intacct as the most effective financial management product available to trusts to optimise, create more capacity, capability of resource management. 

We are constantly adjusting and improving our service portfolio to incorporate new developments so that we can offer you the most advanced service available. Whether you’re looking for help with short- or long-term support, or transformation project, our experience team is ready to assist you. 

As part of the Vertas Group, our foundation is in the public sector, with a priority to decarbonise our own operation, and support our partners meet net zero targets through innovative working practices. Schools’ choice work together across our group portfolio of facilities management and building service solutions for academy trusts. 

As approved implementation partners of Sage, we provide Sage Intacct and Sage 200, providing trusts with the very best finance management technology component to trust ERP solutions. Sage Intacct is a "born in the cloud” financial management solution that provides the foundation of digital integration, transformation and insights for your academy trust. Sage Intacct has the power to automate many financial administration tasks and will transform the workload of the trust finance team and Chief Financial Officer. 

HR & Payroll – our expert team delivers high quality, efficient integrated outsourced managed service for trusts. We use leading edge systems to deliver effective solutions, enabling trusts to deliver their People strategy. Our team works with you as an extended part of your team, regularly reporting on partnership achievements and opportunities to improve operations.

Governance - supporting school improvement through effective Trust Governance. We work with schools and academies to develop and embed strong governance at all levels. For operations, we use Governor Hub, enabling governors’ ready access to online papers, documents and support. Our team of specialist governance professionals clerk meetings for academy trusts annually, offer governance support and advice to ensure effective organisation of trust governance on behalf of trustees, including company secretary services.

Our expert leaders in governance provide governance reviews, to independently support trusts develop their governance as part of continuous improvement.

Business and MIS Services - Managing and administering a school’s organisation and infrastructure are vital but time-consuming tasks. Our experts provide a range of consultancy led services, providing independent advice through internal scrutiny, Data Protection Officer, school business management. Through our independent reviews we will support trusts transform, ensure end to end processes are efficient, effective and compliant with regulators. We support and coach best practice within the sector. We have also partnered with Arbor to provide support and training in realising the full benefit of the MIS solution across trusts. 

Safeguarding - professional safeguarding support and training for schools and academies to ensure that children and young people are safe from harm and have the opportunity to thrive. We recognise the importance of high-quality training and tailored support to enable schools to develop and implement effective safeguarding practices. Designated Safeguarding Lead, whole of school annual update training, digital online safety training. We offer a range of formats with, "train the trainer” and whole school training.

Children’s Services - Our range of children's support services is designed to help every child in school succeed. We work closely with schools and families to ensure that all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Our team of experienced and qualified professionals are here to support you every step of the way.

Schools’ choice contributes to the education sector and demonstrates its social value through initiatives and services to improve education and support School Trusts. This commitment is evident in various areas such as knowledge sharing, service development, and our sustainability and social value strategy. 

One way Schools’ choice supports the education sector is through the dissemination of knowledge. This is accomplished via blogs, webinars, monthly newsletters and online networking sessions designed to help school leaders enhance their expertise. By providing these resources, Schools’ choice empowers educational leaders with the latest insights and strategies to improve school services management. These initiatives ensure that leaders stay informed about best practices and emerging trends, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Recognising the unique needs of the education sector, Schools’ choice has developed a range of services designed to address specific issues faced by School Trusts. For instance, we have introduced technology solutions that support greener and more inclusive governance in schools. These solutions help transform business and governance processes, making them more efficient and environmentally friendly. By listening to the needs of our clients and responding with innovative solutions, we ensure that our services provide real value and drive positive change.

Schools’ choice, part of the Vertas Group, understands the importance of preserving the environment. We have taken a proactive stance in reducing the impact of our operations. We aim to create a positive social impact through initiatives such as supporting team members who volunteer as governors, offering apprenticeships to colleagues, and engaging with local schools to provide work experience opportunities. Furthermore, our efforts to promote sustainability include advocating for greener governance practices and reducing our environmental footprint. These actions not only benefit the education sector but also contribute to broader societal goals.

Schools’ choice actively engages with the community through various initiatives. We support pupils in local schools by participating in careers fairs and events, offering them valuable insights into potential career paths and future opportunities. Additionally, we work with partners to provide briefings for volunteer governors and trustees, ensuring they are well-equipped to fulfil their roles effectively. Our monthly publication, "Schools News”, keeps stakeholders informed about important developments and best practices in the sector.

Our dedication to a customer-first approach is recognised through various awards and nominations. These accolades highlight our commitment to putting the needs of our customers first and continuously striving for excellence. By maintaining high standards and championing best practices, we raise the bar within the education sector and inspire others to do the same. 

Schools’ choice demonstrates significant social value through a comprehensive approach that includes knowledge sharing and tailored service, a robust sustainability strategy, and active community engagement. By prioritising the needs of School Trusts and their stakeholders, we contribute to the improvement of the education sector and create a lasting positive impact.

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