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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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 a multi-academy trust operating a family of schools in London and beyond. Registered as a company limited by guarantee, it was previously named The Charter School Educational Trust. Its Companies House classification covers pre-primary, primary and general secondary education. The Trust describes itself as working to build better futures for children and young people, supporting school improvement, teaching school hub activity, an early years stronger practice hub and leadership development across its network of schools. It employs several hundred staff and supports thousands of pupils across its schools. The Trust is based at The Charter School North Dulwich in south London.
Generated from the company's website and Companies House records. Sources: find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk · tcset.org.uk