The new venture is the sixth company within The Brightstar Group’s portfolio and follows the launch of The School Fees Company earlier this year.
Schools-Finance has been established to help independent schools access funding for banking facility reviews, property acquisitions, working capital facilities, sustainability initiatives and broader investment plans.
The launch comes as many independent schools reassess their commercial strategies, explore new income-generating opportunities and review how their estates and assets can contribute to long-term sustainability.
Supporting schools’ growth ambitions
Clare Jupp, managing director of Schools-Finance, said she was “hugely excited” to lead the new business.
She said: “Independent schools are facing an increasingly complex operating environment. Alongside delivering outstanding education, many are also looking at how they can strengthen their long-term financial sustainability, invest in their facilities and maximise the value of their assets.
£2.5m paid to help broker clients benefit from greener homes
Sponsored by Halifax Intermediaries
“Schools-Finance has been created to provide schools with access to specialist funding expertise that understands both the opportunities and challenges they face.
“Whether a school is looking to refinance existing facilities, fund development projects, improve cash flow flexibility or invest in future growth, our role is to help identify the right funding strategy and connect them with the most appropriate lenders and funding partners.”
Partnership with Schools’ Enterprise Association
Schools-Finance has also become a corporate partner of the Schools’ Enterprise Association (SEA), an independent membership organisation that supports more than 250 schools across the independent sector.
Through the partnership, Schools-Finance said it aims to provide member schools with specialist funding advice and access to finance solutions to help deliver strategic projects and commercial initiatives.
Dorothy McLaren, chief executive of the Schools’ Enterprise Association, said: “The Schools’ Enterprise Association is doing important work helping schools think creatively about their futures and how they can make the most of their assets while always keeping education at the heart of their decision-making.
“Our vision is to support schools as they plan for the future, invest in their estates and create sustainable foundations for future generations.”
Growing focus on strategic financial planning
Nick Baker, chief commercial officer at Allica Bank, said the launch reflected the increasing importance of financial planning within the independent education sector.
“The launch of Schools-Finance is a timely development that recognises the specialist nature of the sector and the need for expert funding advice,” said Baker.
