Dedicated finance support — year round.

The Core SLA is our flagship service — a comprehensive annual support agreement that gives your school access to expert finance help whenever you need it, including helpdesk support, exclusive tools, regular updates and 3 hours of flexible consultancy time.

All Year

Helpdesk access

3 Hours

Consultancy included

6

Finance platforms

Free

Tools included

What's Included

Comprehensive support

  • Helpdesk via phone and email
  • Support across all major finance platforms
  • Month end and year end support
  • CFR return support

Exclusive tools

  • Access to SMS Tools and the SMS Portal
  • Budget management reporting tool
  • Automatic monthly payroll reconciliation report
  • School Fund Spreadsheet
    (free for Core SLA)

Regular updates

  • Regular notifications and financial updates
  • One-stop shop for up-to-date income information
  • Monthly newsletter with sector news

Business continuity

  • Nominate SMS as backup during staff absences
  • Meets academy and maintained school continuity requirements
  • No disruption to your school's finance function

Consultancy time

  • 3 hours of flexible, tailored consultancy included
  • Use for budget planning, audits, or any finance project
  • Additional hours available at discounted rate

Experienced in all major finance platforms

How it works

01

Get in touch

Tell us about your school and which finance system you use.

02

Choose your SLA

We'll confirm your annual support agreement and get you set up.

03

Access the portal

Log in to the SMS portal for documents, updates and tools.

04

Ongoing support

The helpdesk is available Mon–Thu 8am–5pm, Fri 8am–3pm.

How consultancy hours work

Time over the 3-hour inclusive allowance is charged in half-hourly sessions. Calls under 15 minutes are included and do not count toward the allowance. Remote support sessions over 15 minutes are chargeable after the annual allowance is used. Session time includes preparation and follow-up.

"

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

Related Services

Additional Consultancy

Need more than the Core SLA? We offer budget planning, payroll, interim cover and more.

Learn more

SMS Tools

All tools are included with your SLA: BMR tool, salary calculator and school fund spreadsheet.

Learn more

School Fund Review

Independent review of your school fund accounts from £195. Required annually.

Learn more

Not sure what you need? Talk to us.

Talk to us about your school's needs. No obligation.

Empowering schools with expertise, insight and integrity.