The average payment time of 29 days suggests payments often occur near the 30-day mark, yet the very high 79% late payment rate indicates frequent breaches of contractual due dates, implying terms are likely shorter than 30 days. While 70% of payments fall within 30 days, a significant 30% extend beyond this period, with 9% taking over 60 days, demonstrating notable inconsistency and a considerable tail of very delayed payments.
The combination of a 79% late payment rate and 30% of payments exceeding 30 days introduces considerable payment unreliability and unpredictability, making it difficult for suppliers to forecast cash flow accurately. The presence of 9% of payments extending beyond 60 days highlights a significant risk of protracted payment cycles, potentially causing severe cash flow strain and requiring robust credit management strategies.
LIFE MULTI-ACADEMY TRUST presents a high payment risk due to its consistently high late payment rate and a substantial portion of invoices settling significantly beyond typical terms. Suppliers should consider implementing shorter payment terms, requesting upfront deposits, or rigorously enforcing late payment clauses to mitigate potential cash flow disruptions and operational risks effectively.
| 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 | 22 Apr 2026 | 25 | 76% | 17% | 7% | 36% |
| 01 Mar 2025 - 31 Aug 2025 | 02 Oct 2025 | 44 | 57% | 23% | 20% | 51% |
| 01 Sept 2024 - 28 Feb 2025 | 07 Jul 2025 | 40 | 63% | 22% | 15% | 55% |
| 01 Mar 2024 - 31 Aug 2024 | 07 Oct 2024 | 33 | 62% | 25% | 13% | 68% |
| 01 Sept 2023 - 28 Feb 2024 | 07 Oct 2024 | 30 | 70% | 21% | 9% | 79% |
| 01 Mar 2023 - 31 Aug 2023 | 07 Oct 2024 | 33 | 63% | 25% | 12% | 82% |
| 01 Sept 2022 - 28 Feb 2023 | 26 Mar 2024 | 29 | 70% | 21% | 9% | 79% |
This information is as reported by the business, and responses are in their own words.
Standard payment 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
Any complaints relating to qualifying contracts will initially be handled by the Finance Team, who will review the concern, request any necessary information, and aim to provide a timely response. If the matter cannot be resolved at this stage, it will be escalated to the Operational Finance Team for further investigation, and then to the Operational Finance Lead if additional senior oversight is required. Should the complainant remain dissatisfied, the issue may be escalated to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for a final internal review. If the complaint cannot be resolved through these internal stages, the complainant may pursue the matter through external channels, including an appropriate Alternative Dispute Resolution provider, the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) where relevant, or legal routes where appropriate.
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
LIFE MULTI-ACADEMY TRUST is an active Multi-Academy Trust, established as a private limited company by guarantee without share capital use of 'Limited' exemption. This company structure confirms its function in the governance and operation of multiple academies within the UK education sector.
Incorporated on 15 March 2012, the organisation operates under company number 07992438. Its registered office is located at Bosworth Academy Leicester Lane, Desford, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE9 9JL, indicating its base within the East Midlands.
As a Multi-Academy Trust, LIFE MULTI-ACADEMY TRUST typically provides strategic leadership, educational oversight, and operational support to its member academies. Its services encompass curriculum development, staff training, financial management, human resources, and facilities maintenance across its network of schools.