This article explains how supply staffing in schools is evolving. A structural shift in the school supply staffing market is anticipated in 2025/26. Currently, individual schools shoulder the administrative burden and risk of sourcing, negotiating and managing agency supply on their own. There is no shared data, procurement scale or unified pricing model.
The Shift: Staffing Frameworks
Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) and government bodies are building a new generation of staffing frameworks—structured, compliant models for schools to procure supply staff through agencies.
Unlike ad-hoc arrangements, these frameworks are underpinned by technology. Vendor Management Systems (VMS) provide the infrastructure, connecting agencies and schools through a common platform.
Benefits for Stakeholders
For Schools and MAT Leaders
Frameworks reduce risk, bring down costs and give leaders confidence that supply is handled fairly and consistently across the trust.
For Agencies
Frameworks unlock access to numerous schools through a single tender process and remove the chaotic one-school-at-a-time sales effort. The right VMS manages timesheets, invoicing and compliance in one place.
For the Wider Sector
For the first time, education will have the tools to understand what is happening in the supply staffing market. Access to data helps MATs and policy makers make better decisions, protect teachers and fix systemic inefficiencies.
Frameworks are becoming infrastructure. Agencies and schools should engage early to help shape how the market works.
