THE CHARTER SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL TRUST maintains an average payment time of 33 days, sitting just above the standard 30-day benchmark. The majority of payments (63%) are settled within 30 days, however a notable 33% fall within the 31-60 day band, suggesting a consistent pattern of slightly delayed processing rather than isolated incidents. The small 4% tail beyond 60 days indicates that severely overdue payments are uncommon but not absent.
With 37% of payments classified as late, the trust presents a moderate-to-elevated reliability risk for suppliers requiring prompt settlement. The concentration of late payments in the 31-60 day window points to a predictable delay pattern, likely tied to institutional payment cycles or approval processes, rather than erratic or unpredictable behaviour. This relative consistency means suppliers can reasonably anticipate a 33-45 day effective payment window, reducing uncertainty but not eliminating cash flow impact.
THE CHARTER SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL TRUST is a moderate payment risk, suitable for engagement provided suppliers can absorb payment terms stretching beyond 30 days on a regular basis. Suppliers with tight cash flow requirements should negotiate explicit 45-day payment terms upfront to align expectations with the trust's demonstrated behaviour. To mitigate risk, consider requesting a purchase order before commencing work and building a small buffer into pricing to offset the cost of delayed receipt.
| Reporting Period | Filing Date | Average Time to Pay (days) | Paid within 30 days | Paid 31-60 days | Paid after 60 days | Not Paid within Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 Sept 2024 - 28 Feb 2025 | 04 Sept 2025 | 33 | 63% | 33% | 4% | 37% |
This information is as reported by the business, and responses are in their own words.
Standard payment terms
Our terms are to pay within 30 days of receipt of an undisputed invoice.
Were there any changes to the standard payment terms in the reporting period?
No information available
Any other information about payment terms
No additional information
Maximum contractual payment period agreed
30
If there is a dispute between the Parties, their senior representatives who have authority to settle the dispute will, within 28 days of a written request from the other Party, meet in good faith to resolve the dispute. If the dispute is not resolved at that meeting, the Parties can attempt to settle it by mediation using the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR) Model Mediation Procedure current at the time of the dispute. If the Parties cannot agree on a mediator, the mediator will be nominated by CEDR. If either Party does not wish to use, or continue to use mediation, or mediation does not resolve the dispute, the dispute must be resolved using clauses 33.3 to 33.5.
Has this business signed up to a code of conduct or standards on payment practices?
For example, signatories to The Prompt Payment Code must commit to paying 95% of their invoices within 60 days.
❌
Does this business offer e-invoicing in relation to qualifying contracts?
This is where suppliers can electronically submit and track invoices. It's not just allowing suppliers to email them an invoice.
❌
Does this business offer supply chain finance?
This is where a supplier who has submitted an invoice can be paid by a third-party finance provider earlier than the agreed payment date. The business would then pay the finance provider the invoiced sum.
❌
Under its payment practices and policies, can this business deduct sums from payments under qualifying contracts as a charge for remaining on a supplier list?
❌
During the reporting period, did the business deduct sums from payments as a charge for remaining on a supplier list?
No information available
The Charter Schools Educational Trust is an educational trust operating within the UK school sector. Registered as a private limited company by guarantee without share capital, the organisation benefits from an exemption allowing it to operate without the word "Limited" in its trading name — a structure commonly used by charitable and non-profit educational bodies in England.
The trust is incorporated in England and is based in London, with its registered office situated at The Charter School North Dulwich, Red Post Hill, London, SE24 9JH. The organisation was incorporated on 6 August 2010 and holds company registration number 07338707, remaining an active entity on the Companies House register.
As a multi-school educational trust, The Charter Schools Educational Trust is responsible for the governance, leadership, and operational management of its member schools. Such organisations in the UK provide pupils with structured educational programmes in line with the national curriculum, overseen by a board of trustees accountable for standards, safeguarding, and the overall performance of the schools within the trust.
Educational trusts of this type in England operate within the academy and free school framework, working in partnership with the Department for Education to deliver state-funded education. They are responsible for employing staff, managing school budgets, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality education to the communities they serve.