The Athelstan Trust demonstrates a relatively prompt average payment time of 24 days, with 79% of invoices settled within the standard 30-day window. However, the remaining 21% of payments extend into the 31-day-plus range, with 5% exceeding 60 days, suggesting a consistent tail of delayed settlements that skews overall performance. The 45% late payment rate is a notable concern, indicating that while the average looks acceptable, nearly half of all invoices are not being paid on their agreed terms.
Payment behaviour shows moderate unpredictability, with a meaningful 16% of invoices falling into the 31–60 day bracket and a further 5% beyond 60 days, creating cash flow uncertainty for suppliers. The significant gap between the average payment time (24 days) and the 45% late payment rate suggests that a portion of invoices are settled very quickly while others are delayed considerably, pointing to inconsistent internal payment processing rather than a uniform approach. This variability makes cash flow forecasting difficult and elevates credit exposure risk for suppliers extending standard terms.
The Athelstan Trust presents a mixed risk profile: the 24-day average is reassuring, but the 45% late payment rate and 21% of invoices paid beyond 30 days indicate structural payment inconsistencies that suppliers should not overlook. Suppliers are advised to implement clear payment terms with late payment clauses and consider proactive invoice chasing from day 20 onwards to mitigate the risk of slippage. For higher-value contracts, negotiating shorter payment terms or staged payments would reduce exposure to the elevated late payment risk.
| 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 | 24 | 79% | 16% | 5% | 45% |
This information is as reported by the business, and responses are in their own words.
Standard payment terms
Most frequently we use 30 days and 0 days for expenses. We work to supplier payment terms in actioning payments. We are not fully confident in 45% figure reporting the payments outside of standard payment terms. This is a standard report from SAGE 200, we are working to understand the underlying and supporting data.
Were there any changes to the standard payment terms in the reporting period?
No information available
Any other information about payment terms
To re-iterate we are investigating the underlying data supporting this report. SAGE 200 is an older system with limited reporting capability.
Maximum contractual payment period agreed
30
This is handled on ad-hoc basis at school level and escalated to the Trust when required, with Trust wide spend including Central contracts, handled by the Trust.
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 ATHELSTAN TRUST is an active private limited company by guarantee without share capital use of 'limited' exemption, incorporated on 11 July 2011, based in the South West region. Registered business activity: General secondary education.
From Companies House records.