GCA Framework 2026: What Schools and Trusts Need to Know

Change is coming to how schools and multi-academy trusts (MATs) procure supply staff, and it’s a significant one.

From September 2026, trusts will be expected to source supply staff through the Government Commercial Agency (GCA) Supply Teachers and Education Recruitment framework (RM6376), marking a clear shift towards greater transparency, cost control, and compliance across the sector.

But while often described as “mandatory”, the reality is slightly more nuanced, and understanding that distinction is key.

What Is the GCA Framework?

The GCA framework is a Department for Education (DfE)-aligned procurement route designed to standardise how schools and trusts engage supply staff.

It forms part of a wider shift in public sector procurement. On 1 April 2026, the Crown Commercial Service merged with Cabinet Office commercial teams to form the Government Commercial Agency (GCA), signalling a move towards more centralised and consistent procurement practices.

The framework (RM6376):

• Pre-approves specialist education recruitment agencies
• Sets clear expectations around safeguarding and compliance
• Introduces capped supplier fees to control costs
• Ensures a consistent, transparent approach to supply staffing

Is the Framework Mandatory?

This is where clarity matters. For Schools and Multi-Academy Trusts.

The Department for Education has made it clear that use of the GCA framework will become the default expectation.

Trusts will be required to use the framework unless they can demonstrate a compliant alternative that delivers equal or better value for money and aligns with the Procurement Act 2023.

In practice, this means:

• Most trusts will move onto the framework
• Any alternative route must meet strict legal and financial criteria
• Costs must not exceed those available via the framework

So, while not an absolute legal mandate in every scenario, it is effectively becoming the standard and expected route.

For Suppliers and Recruitment Agencies

Joining the framework is not legally mandatory, but commercially, it is becoming essential.

Agencies that are not aligned risk:

• Exclusion from large-scale public sector opportunities
• Increased scrutiny from schools and trusts
• Loss of existing contracts as buyers transition to compliant frameworks

For Contracting Authorities

From 1 April 2026, new requirements under the Procurement Act 2023 came into force, introducing stricter rules around:

• Transparency
• Reporting
• Supplier identification and compliance

The GCA framework is designed to help trusts meet these obligations with confidence.

What Changes for Schools and Trusts?

The shift is both operational and strategic.

Key changes include:

• Framework-first procurement: The GCA becomes the primary route for sourcing supply staff
• Supplier fee caps: Limits on agency margins to prevent high costs
• Full cost transparency: Clear breakdowns of pay, on-costs, and fees
• Compliance alignment: Built-in adherence to current procurement legislation

Key Benefits of the Framework

While driven by compliance, the framework also brings practical advantages:

• Better cost control through capped supplier fees
• A vetted, compliant supply chain of approved agencies
• Free temp-to-perm conversion after 12 weeks
• Simplified procurement processes
• Improved visibility of supply spend

Key Dates to Be Aware Of:

• 1 April 2026: GCA officially launched, and the Procurement Act changes came into force
• May 2026: GCA Supply Teachers framework goes live
• September 2026: Framework becomes the expected procurement route for MATs
• December 2026: Expiry of some legacy frameworks, accelerating transition

What This Means in Practice

For schools and trusts, early preparation will be key.

Recommended steps:

• Review current supply contracts ahead of renewal dates
• Benchmark existing rates against framework pricing
• Ensure any alternative procurement routes are fully compliant
• Begin aligning workforce planning with the new framework

Where NextGen Education Recruitment Fits In

NextGen Education Recruitment is already aligned with compliant procurement frameworks and supports schools and trusts in navigating these changes with confidence.

We work closely with education providers to ensure supply staffing is:

• Transparent and cost-effective
• Fully compliant with current legislation
• Delivered through a consistent, high-quality approach

The introduction of the GCA framework reflects a wider shift in education procurement, one that prioritises transparency, accountability, and value.

While flexibility remains in certain cases, the direction of travel is clear: structured, compliant procurement is becoming the norm, not the exception.

For schools and trusts, the focus now should be on understanding the changes and preparing early.