Score of 89.87/100 qualifies for PaymentCheck Certification
INSPIRE LEARNING TRUST demonstrates a strong trend of timely payments, with an average of 27 days and 85% of invoices paid within 30 days. While the majority are prompt, a small but notable portion (14%) extends beyond the 30-day mark, suggesting occasional slower processing.
Despite the good average, the 24% late payment rate introduces a notable degree of unpredictability for suppliers, indicating that nearly one in four invoices may exceed agreed terms. This consistent rate of late payments, including 4% extending beyond 60 days, points to a moderate risk of payment delays.
While INSPIRE LEARNING TRUST generally pays quickly, the 24% late payment rate suggests suppliers should factor potential delays into their cash flow planning. We recommend proceeding with caution, maintaining clear payment terms, and actively monitoring outstanding invoices to mitigate the risk associated with the less predictable portion of payments.
| 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 | 11 Mar 2026 | 21 | 89% | 10% | 1% | 19% |
| 01 Mar 2025 - 31 Aug 2025 | 29 Sept 2025 | 20 | 90% | 9% | 1% | 19% |
| 01 Sept 2024 - 28 Feb 2025 | 13 Mar 2025 | 22 | 89% | 9% | 2% | 17% |
| 01 Mar 2024 - 31 Aug 2024 | 29 Sept 2024 | 31 | 74% | 18% | 8% | 26% |
| 01 Sept 2023 - 29 Feb 2024 | 28 Mar 2024 | 27 | 85% | 10% | 4% | 24% |
This information is as reported by the business, and responses are in their own words.
Standard payment terms
Most contracts have standard payment terms of 30 days, however some small businesses have an agreement to receive payment in shorter periods. We also have suppliers with 14 days payment terms these include the LEA and supply agencies (for education supply staff). We have also some smaller businesses that require payment in a shorter period of time which is short as 5 days which we try and accommodate on our weekly payment cycles that we complete each Wednesday for payment every Friday.
Were there any changes to the standard payment terms in the reporting period?
No information available
Any other information about payment terms
We continue to make every effort to chase suppliers for invoices and ensure payments are made as soon as reasonably possible. In July 2024, we implemented a new invoice automation system to streamline invoice matching and statement processing. This system also enabled us to proactively follow up with suppliers regarding missing invoices. As mentioned in our previous 3 reports, we have now been using this system for eighteen months, and it has significantly improved our payment processing times. We will continue to refine and enhance the system to ensure suppliers receive payments on time. This relies on the supplier following the purchase order instructions and terms when goods or services are requested to ensure timely payment.
Maximum contractual payment period agreed
60
The Finance Department handles all supplier disputes and maintains communication to ensure a resolution is reached as soon as practically possible. Suppliers raising a dispute should provide relevant supporting documents, such as invoices, credit notes, and statements, to facilitate a prompt review. If a dispute cannot be resolved at the Finance Department level within 5 working days, it will be escalated to the Finance Lead or CFO for further review. If no resolution is reached within 10 working days, the matter will be referred to the CEO of Inspire Learning Trust for a final decision. To ensure the smooth processing of invoices and payments, suppliers must send invoices, credit notes, and statements to ilt@lightyear.cloud. For general finance enquiries or to follow up on an outstanding invoice or dispute, suppliers should contact accounts@inspiretrust.uk. We strive to minimise disputes by ensuring clear processes and procedures are in place for our suppliers and this is detailed in our terms and conditions on each purchase order which we email to our suppliers when requesting goods or services.
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
INSPIRE LEARNING TRUST operates as a learning trust, indicating its primary function in the provision or oversight of education and learning. Structured as a Private Limited Company by guarantee without share capital, it is typically set up for non-profit or community benefit purposes rather than commercial gain for shareholders.
The organisation, with company number 09482529, was incorporated on 10 March 2015 and is currently active. Its registered office is situated at Winterhill School High Street, Kimberworth, Rotherham, United Kingdom, S61 2BD.
As a Private Limited Company by guarantee operating as a "Learning Trust", INSPIRE LEARNING TRUST typically provides educational services. This includes operating schools within the multi-academy trust framework, delivering primary, secondary, or specialist education to pupils.
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