Empowering Schools with Expertise and Integrity
We bring decades of hands-on experience in education finance and business management to help schools thrive.
Led by BarryWalder, our family-run consultancy is built on a foundation of extensive sector knowledge, practical insight, and a genuine commitment to supporting school leaders.
Our team includes seasoned Business Managers and finance consultants with backgrounds in both academies and maintained schools, as well as within Local Authorities.
Our values
Our mission
To help schools improve their financial management — ensuring budgets are planned effectively, monitored accurately, and that every school achieves value for money.
Why it matters
Strong financial management directly supports improved educational outcomes. When schools have clarity over their finances, Headteachers and Governing Bodies can make better decisions for their pupils.
Who we work with
Maintained schools, academies, free schools and multi-academy trusts across London and the South East.
Sector specialists
Our consultants have worked inside academies, maintained schools and Local Authorities. We understand the pressures from the inside — not as outsiders looking in.
Personally accountable
We're a close-knit team, not a large agency. Every school gets consistent, attentive support from people who know their context and their challenges.
Truly independent
We have no ties to any single finance platform or Local Authority. Our advice is always in the best interest of the school.
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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
Not sure what you need? Talk to us.
We'll listen to your situation and recommend the right level of support — no obligation.