SAAS Summer Series: Episode 1 | Maximising Value for Pupils: How to Stretch Your School Budget Further

How can schools make every pound go further while continuing to deliver the very best outcomes for pupils?

Welcome to SAAS Summer Sessions, our summer series bringing some of the most popular sessions from the Schools & Academies Show London 2026 directly to your screen.

Whether you're catching up from the office, at home or enjoying a well-earned summer break, Summer Sessions gives you the opportunity to access expert insight from across the education sector and enjoy free CPD throughout the holidays.

Our first session explores one of the biggest challenges facing schools and trusts today: making budgets work harder while protecting the education and opportunities pupils deserve.

Watch the Session

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Maximising Value for Pupils Programme: Practical Ways to Stretch Your Budget Further

Speakers

• Beth Lord, Commercial Lead, Maximising Value for Pupils Policy, Department for Education
• Nick McHenry, Head of Schools Sector Commercial, Maximising Value for Pupils Policy, Department for Education

With financial pressures continuing to affect schools and trusts across the country, making informed spending decisions has never been more important.

In this practical session, Department for Education experts introduce the Maximising Value for Pupils (MVP) Programme, demonstrating how schools are identifying efficiencies, reducing unnecessary expenditure and reinvesting savings into the areas that have the greatest impact on pupils.

Drawing on real examples and practical case studies, the session showcases how schools and trusts are using the programme to make smarter commercial decisions while maintaining high-quality provision.

Beth Lord also introduces one of the programme's newest resources, the Agency Supply Framework, explaining how it can help schools manage supply staffing more effectively while delivering better value for money.

What You'll Learn

After watching this session, you'll gain insight into:

• How the Department for Education's Maximising Value for Pupils Programme supports better financial decision-making.
• Practical examples of how schools and trusts are achieving genuine savings.
• Strategies for redirecting resources towards teaching, learning and pupil outcomes.
• How the Agency Supply Framework can help schools improve procurement and reduce staffing costs.
• Why strategic commercial decisions play an increasingly important role in long-term school sustainability.

Whether you're a headteacher, school business professional, trust leader or governor, this session offers practical advice that can support more effective financial planning within your organisation.

Continue the Conversation This November

This Summer Session is just one example of the expert insight available at the Schools & Academies Show Birmingham, taking place on 18-19th November 2026 at the NEC Birmingham.

Join over 4,000 school leaders, hear from 300+ expert speakers, access 50+ hours of free CPD, and discover practical strategies to help your school or trust thrive.

👉 Register free today and continue the conversation in Birmingham.