South Farnham Educational Trust demonstrates a solid average payment time of 20 days, comfortably within standard net-30 terms and indicating a generally prompt payment culture. The majority of invoices (84%) are settled within 30 days, suggesting consistent adherence to standard payment cycles. However, the remaining 16% of late payments, split between 31-60 days (10%) and over 60 days (6%), points to a recurring minority of invoices that experience notable delays.
While the 20-day average is reassuring, the 16% late payment rate introduces a degree of unpredictability that suppliers should factor into cash flow planning. The 6% of invoices exceeding 60 days is a particular concern, as these outliers represent a meaningful tail risk that could impact working capital for smaller suppliers. Overall reliability is moderate-to-good, but the presence of significantly overdue payments suggests inconsistent internal approval or processing workflows within the trust.
South Farnham Educational Trust is a broadly acceptable payment partner, with strong on-time performance for the majority of transactions, making it a low-to-moderate risk for most suppliers. Suppliers should be aware that approximately 1 in 17 invoices may extend beyond 60 days, and should consider building this into credit terms or setting proactive payment reminders at the 25-day mark. To mitigate risk, suppliers may wish to negotiate clearly defined payment terms in contracts and flag overdue invoices early to minimise exposure to extended 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 | 30 Mar 2026 | 20 | 84% | 10% | 6% | 16% |
This information is as reported by the business, and responses are in their own words.
Standard payment terms
Standard terms 30 days
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
A complaint or concern will be considered by the Trust in accordance with the policy published on the website: https://www.sfet.org.uk/page/?title=Trust+Policies&pid=44
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 Farnham Educational Trust is a registered educational trust operating as a private limited company by guarantee without share capital. This structure is characteristic of not-for-profit organisations in the education sector, where the company operates for the benefit of its educational mission rather than for the distribution of profits to shareholders.
The trust is registered in England and Wales under company number 07652902 and was incorporated on 31 May 2011. Its registered office is located at South Farnham School, Menin Way, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 8DY, placing it within the South East region of England. The company remains active and in good standing.
Educational trusts of this type in the UK are established to oversee and govern the provision of educational services, typically managing one or more schools and ensuring the delivery of quality education to pupils. They are responsible for setting strategic direction, maintaining educational standards, and managing the resources of the schools under their governance. Such organisations operate within the framework established by the Department for Education and are accountable for the academic and operational performance of their institutions.
As a company limited by guarantee, South Farnham Educational Trust operates on a not-for-profit basis, with any surplus funds reinvested directly into its educational activities and the improvement of its facilities and services.