Why Choose SMS?
Sector specialists
Our team have worked inside academies, maintained schools and Local Authorities — we understand the pressures from the inside.
Family-run, personally accountable
Not a large agency. A close-knit team where every client gets genuine attention and consistent support.
Independent and trusted
We work across all school types and LA areas, with no ties to any single finance platform or LA.
Core Services
Finance support
Helpdesk, month/year end, CFR, payroll reconciliation, 3hrs consultancy included.
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Consultancy services
Budget planning, bank reconciliation, VAT, BACS, interim SBM cover and more.
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SBM recruitment
End-to-end support — advert, shortlisting, interview prep, panel participation.
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SMS training courses
27hr SBM essentials, finance system training, new heads, benchmarking workshops.
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School fund review
Independent review from £195. Qualified accountant sign-off where required.
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SMS portal + tools
Secure client portal, budget comparison tool, payroll reconciliation reports.
Learn moreHow it works
01
Get in touch
Tell us about your school and what you need.
02
Choose your SLA
Core support with 3hrs consultancy included.
03
Access the portal
Your secure hub for documents and updates.
04
Ongoing support
Phone, email and consultancy when you need it.
Our Client Portal
All clients get access to the SMS Portal
A secure hub for document exchange, school-specific announcements, newsletters and resources.
More about us
Secure document exchange
Upload and share files directly with your SMS team — no email attachments.
School-specific announcements
Updates tailored to your school type, finance system and LA.
Newsletters and resources
All SMS guidance in one place, always up to date.
What our clients say
"
Thank you for your swift and timely support in setting up my BMR in time for an audit visit this week. The support from James was brilliant and no question was too big or too small.
Jo Lee
Stamford Green
"
All the staff are very helpful and friendly. Response times are quick and efficient and I haven't had an issue yet that Duncan or the team couldn't solve.
Louise MacMahon
Ashford CE Primary School
"
I am new to the school business manager role and the support I have received from SMS is invaluable. Glyn has been amazing and supportive through month end procedures and budget setting.
Stephanie Rusted
Horsell C of E Junior School
"
SMS provide a friendly and reliable service, helping to reduce our workload and quickly resolve any issues. Their support is always efficient and much appreciated.
"
The team is incredibly knowledgeable, professional and always willing to help. No matter how complex the issue or query, they consistently provide clear guidance and effective solutions. Their expertise and support have been invaluable, especially for a new
SBM like myself.
SBM
St Josephs Catholic Primary School Epsom
"
SMS has been an invaluable partner in navigating the financial complexities of the School Business Manager role. Their extensive knowledge, expert tools, and growing range of services provide complete assurance and operational confidence.
SBM
St Josephs Catholic Primary School Epsom
"
The team is incredibly knowledgeable, professional and always willing to help. No matter how complex the issue or query, they consistently provide clear guidance and effective solutions. Their expertise and support have been invaluable, especially for a new
SBM like myself.
"
Working with the team at SMS over the last year has made our whole team so much happier and resulted in our internal processes being much better, quicker, clearer and more consistent.
Sarah Ewins
Chief Finance and Operating Officer — Middlesex Learning Trust
"
Backed by amazing consultants who genuinely care about delivering the best outcomes for our school, I honestly cannot imagine operating without their support- they have been an essential service.
SBM
St Josephs Catholic Primary School Epsom
Ready to take the pressure off your finance team?
Talk to us about your school's needs. No obligation.