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Lynx Purchasing warns ‘decimated’ independent schools must control food costs

21st Apr 2026 - 06:00
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Lynx Purchasing warns ‘decimated’ independent schools must control food costs
Abstract
As new research shows the UK’s independent schools have lost almost one in ten pupils since the imposition of VAT on fees, purchasing specialist Lynx Purchasing warns many schools are still wasting money through inefficiency and duplication.

Analysis by wealth management company Saltus found that 9% of parents with a child in private education has taken them out of the independent sector since January 2025.

Lynx has identified the purchasing challenges facing the schools’ sector, as well as the way improvements to purchasing discipline can deliver ‘significant savings’. It has assembled a task force of suppliers across key purchasing areas for schools such as food and drink and waste management.

Rachel Dobson, managing director of Lynx Purchasing, said: “Food and drink is an obvious area where a change in supplier can generate significant cost savings with no impact on quality. Beyond that, costs such as utilities, waste management, disposables and chemicals are areas where schools can often reduce outgoings. We estimate that the UK’s 1,600 independent schools spend £2bn-plus annually on goods and services, with untapped potential for significant savings.”

The White Paper ‘Back To School With Lynx Purchasing’ is available to download: www.lynxpurchasing.co.uk.  

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Written by
Edward Waddell