Lighthouse Schools Partnership demonstrates a strong average payment time of 15 days, well within standard net-30 terms, indicating a generally efficient payment process. The concentration of 96% of payments within 30 days reflects a consistently prompt payment culture. However, the 22% late payment rate introduces a notable tension with these otherwise positive headline figures, suggesting that while the majority of payments are timely, a meaningful subset of invoices encounters delays.
The payment distribution is largely predictable, with only 3% of invoices falling in the 31-60 day band and just 1% exceeding 60 days, meaning severe delays are rare. Despite this, the 22% late payment rate indicates that a significant portion of invoices is not being settled in accordance with agreed terms, even if most are resolved relatively quickly thereafter. This gap between the low average payment time and the elevated late rate points to inconsistent invoice processing rather than chronic cash flow issues.
Lighthouse Schools Partnership presents a broadly low-risk payment profile, supported by a 15-day average and strong 96% within-30-days performance, making them a viable customer for most standard credit terms. The 22% late payment incidence warrants attention and suggests suppliers should implement proactive invoice follow-up processes and clear payment term agreements to minimise exceptions. Offering early payment incentives or automated payment arrangements could further reduce the late payment rate and improve overall reliability.
| 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 | 31 Mar 2026 | 15 | 96% | 3% | 1% | 22% |
This information is as reported by the business, and responses are in their own words.
Standard payment terms
As standard payment term
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
The finance department within the school or central services will deals with any disputes or queries as they arise, we aim to respond to suppliers within 48hours
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
Lighthouse Schools Partnership is an educational organisation operating as a private limited company by guarantee without share capital. This company structure is characteristic of not-for-profit entities in the UK education sector, and the use of the 'Limited' exemption reflects the organisation's non-commercial, public benefit focus. As a schools partnership, the organisation works to bring together educational institutions under a collaborative framework.
Lighthouse Schools Partnership was incorporated on 8 June 2011 and holds company registration number 07662102 with Companies House. The organisation is based in the South West of England, with its registered office located at Gordano School, St. Marys Road, Portishead, Bristol, BS20 7QR. The company remains active and in good standing.
Organisations of this type in the UK education sector typically provide school improvement services, collaborative professional development, and shared resources across member schools. They work to raise educational standards by facilitating partnerships between schools, supporting leadership development, and coordinating joint initiatives that benefit pupils, staff, and the wider school community. Such partnerships play an established role in the structure of maintained and academy school networks across England.