Babcock 4S, the UK’s largest integrated education improvement and support services provider, has been appointed by the Department for Education to the new Academies and Free Schools Educational Services Framework.

Babcock 4S is one of just 12 nationally approved providers announced today, selected to provide education expertise and guidance in the establishment of new academies and free schools.  Working in partnership with sponsors and proposers in their journey to opening their new academy or free school, Babcock 4S will provide expertise across a whole range of elements including developing the education vision and strategy, curriculum, staffing structure and recruitment.

This success recognises the substantial expertise of Babcock 4S within the education sector, and significantly its outstanding track record in educational improvement.  Winner of top education industry award of "Supplier to the education sector" from the leading Educational publisher, Education Investor, Babcock 4S is recognised for its innovation and quality of service delivery to UK schools and academies.

”As the largest integrated education service provider in the UK, Babcock 4S is driven by our commitment to improving the life chances of children and young people. This national recognition reinforces our excellent track record in education improvement, and we look forward to working with academy sponsors and free school proposers across the country to realise their ambitions.”

Amanda Fisher, Managing Director, Babcock 4S

Notes to Editors

1. Babcock 4S is the largest integrated education improvement and support services provider in the country. It works with over 500 education establishments and 50 local authorities including the London Borough of Waltham Forest, the London Borough of Lewisham, the London Borough of Greenwich and the Department for Education, providing a full range of support services that raise educational standards and reduce costs.

2. Babcock’s Training business is one of the UK’s largest and leading operators in the vocational training sector. Babcock works with over 22,000 vocational learners in more than 8,000 employer sites nationwide, delivering apprenticeship and NVQ training in a variety of industries including engineering, automotive, hospitality, retail, care and business administration.

3. Through Babcock 4S, Babcock’s joint venture with Surrey County Council, the company delivers a range of services to schools and colleges, including education consultancy, school support services, ICT programmes, facilities management, admissions, data services, integrated local authority contracts and  Continuing Professional Development (CPD).  Babcock 4S recently presented Surrey County Council with a £1.2 million dividend as a result of efficiencies delivered, whilst continuing to raise education standards. Babcock 4S has also helped deliver savings of £11.3 million to date for Surrey County Council.

4. As a provider on the Academies Educational Services Framework, Babcock 4S can offer expertise and support in the following areas:

• Stakeholder consultation
• Developing the vision and ethos
• Developing the Educational Brief and Development Plans
• Establishing policies and procedures
• Recruitment of the Principle and senior staff
• Marketing and branding

5. For further information regarding Babcock, visit our website: www.babcock-education.co.uk