South Lincolnshire Academies Trust demonstrates a strong average payment time of 18 days, well within standard 30-day terms, indicating a consistently prompt payment culture. The majority of invoices (86%) are settled within 30 days, with a modest 13% falling into the 31-60 day bracket and just 1% exceeding 60 days. This distribution suggests a reliable and broadly efficient payment operation with only a small tail of delayed transactions.
With a late payment rate of just 1%, the Trust presents a low-risk payment profile and a high degree of predictability for cash flow planning purposes. The 13% of payments settling in the 31-60 day window may reflect occasional internal processing delays or invoice query resolution, but this does not represent a systemic reliability concern. Overall volatility is minimal, and suppliers can reasonably anticipate payment within standard terms in the vast majority of cases.
South Lincolnshire Academies Trust is a low-risk customer and would be considered a favourable trading partner based on its payment performance data. Suppliers should feel confident extending standard 30-day credit terms, with limited need for stricter payment conditions or credit controls. As a precautionary measure, suppliers handling higher-value contracts may wish to monitor the 31-60 day segment and maintain clear invoice escalation processes to minimise any potential delays.
| 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 2025 - 28 Feb 2026 | 27 Mar 2026 | 18 | 86% | 13% | 1% | 1% |
This information is as reported by the business, and responses are in their own words.
Standard payment terms
This report outlines the payment practices and performance of South Lincolnshire Academies Trust in accordance with the Reporting on Payment Practices and Performances Regulations. The Trust is committed to maintaining fair and transparent payment practices and aims to build strong and sustainable relationships with its suppliers. The Trust operates a standard payment policy of 30 days from the date of invoice, unless otherwise agreed in writing. Invoices are processed promptly upon receipt, subject to verification and approval procedures. Suppliers are encouraged to submit clear, accurate and complete invoices to avoid delays. Any discrepancies are addressed as quickly as possible in collaboration with the supplier.
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
45
In the event of any dispute relating payment, SLAT will proactively engage with the supplier and take reasonable steps to resolve the matter in a timely and constructive manner. During the reporting period, the company has taken steps to improve internal processes to ensure timely payments. The Trust monitors its payment performance regularly and is committed to continuous improvement in this area. The company does not withhold payments unreasonably and seeks to resolve disputes efficiently. Any payments not made within agreed terms are reviewed, and corrective actions are implemented where necessary. Overall, the Trust remains dedicated to responsible payment practices and recognises the importance of timely payments in supporting the financial stability of its suppliers.
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
South Lincolnshire Academies Trust is an educational trust operating within the academy school sector in England. As a company limited by guarantee without share capital, it is a not-for-profit organisation that operates under an exemption from using the word "Limited" in its name, which is characteristic of charitable and educational bodies in the UK.
The trust is registered in England and Wales under company number 07559187 and was incorporated on 10 March 2011. Its registered office is located at Bourne Academy, Edinburgh Crescent, Bourne, Lincolnshire, PE10 9DT, placing it within the East of England region.
As an academies trust, the organisation is responsible for the governance, management, and operation of academy schools within its network. Such trusts are accountable for the educational standards, staffing, and day-to-day administration of the schools under their remit, operating independently from local authority control whilst remaining answerable to the Department for Education.
The trust remains an active company, continuing to fulfil its obligations as an educational organisation serving the communities within its geographical area of South Lincolnshire.