As another school year draws to a close, summer offers the perfect opportunity to pause, reflect and start thinking ahead to September. Whether you’re looking for fresh lesson inspo, replacing well-loved classroom resources or recommending new suppliers to your school – it’s worth taking a moment to think about where those resources or equipment *actually* come from.
After all – the best classroom resources don’t just save time – they support great teaching, inspire your pupils and offer real value year after year.
Here are five simple questions to ask before choosing a new education supplier.
- 1. Is it designed with teachers in mind?
The best suppliers understand the realities of classroom life – look for resources or equipment that are practical, curriculum-friendly and genuinely help reduce workload – rather than creating more of it.
- 2. Can other teachers recommend it?
Word of mouth is still one of the most valuable ways to discover new classroom resources.
Ask fellow Teachers’ Club members, colleagues or look for reviews and case studies from similar schools. Hearing how resources have worked in real classrooms can give you extra confidence before recommending them.
- 3. Will it save time?
Every teacher knows time is of the essence!
From ready-to-use lesson resources, classroom stationery or AI tools – ask yourself whether it will make planning and your life easier – while still delivering a great learning experience for your pupils.
- 4. Does the supplier understand education?
The strongest education suppliers don’t simply sell products, they understand the realities of classroom life.
Look for organisations that provide useful guidance, free teaching ideas, ongoing support and resources that reflect the needs of pupils and genuinely help reduce teacher workload.
- 5. Can you trust them?
Schools increasingly look for suppliers that demonstrate quality, integrity and accountability.
One way to identify trusted organisations is to look for suppliers that are Backed by BESA. These organisations – including STAEDTLER’s Teachers’ Club – have committed to BESA’s Code of Practice, covering areas such as quality, transparency, safeguarding and responsible engagement with schools.
While every school should carry out its own checks, choosing suppliers that are Backed by BESA can provide additional confidence that you’re working with organisations committed to supporting education in the right way.
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The start of a new academic year is always full of possibilities. Choosing trusted suppliers now can help set both you and your pupils up for success from day one.
Looking for organisations committed to quality, transparency and supporting schools? Explore the Backed by BESA Member Directory to discover trusted education suppliers across the UK.
