We continue to work with Sandwell schools to build and support their music offer. It is our goal
to encourage every school in Sandwell to work with us, so that there is an equity of opportunity
for children to learn a musical instrument during their time at school.
by Brian Cape, Chief Executive, SIPS Education
At SIPS Education, we believe schools deserve something different from their service providers.
At a time when many organisations are driven by margins, shareholder expectations and commercial return, SIPS exists for one reason alone: to serve schools and young people. As a schools‑owned cooperative and not‑for‑profit organisation, everything we do is shaped by the needs, pressures and priorities of our members.
This is what truly sets us apart — and why membership matters more than ever.
A Cooperative Built with Schools, for Schools
SIPS is owned by its member schools, and all customers are members. That means decisions are not made to satisfy distant investors or private equity backers; they are made locally, collaboratively and with purpose.
Our cooperative structure gives schools a genuine voice in how services are shaped, priced and delivered. It ensures accountability, transparency and a shared commitment to doing what is right, not what is merely profitable.
Put simply:
your interests come first, because this is your organisation.
Protecting School Budgets in a Challenging Climate
The past few years have been tough for schools and support services alike.
Rising CPI inflation, increased utility costs, statutory pay uplifts, real-terms cuts to funding and pressures from higher employer National Insurance contributions have all combined to push costs sharply upwards across the education sector.
Commercial providers often respond with significant price hikes, whilst many municipal or social providers have ceased trading.
By contrast, SIPS has worked relentlessly over the past few years, to keep annual increases below average real inflation, absorbing pressure through efficiency savings, prudent financial management and lower overheads. This is only possible because we are not extracting profit — every pound works harder for schools.
For 2026/27, once again, price rises have been kept to the minimum possible, reflecting real cost pressures while staying true to our commitment to protect schools from sudden and unaffordable shocks.
Value That Goes Beyond Price
Membership of SIPS is about far more than cost control.
It is about:
When SIPS performs well, the benefits are reinvested back into the cooperative — strengthening services, developing colleagues and enhancing support for schools and academies across our region.
That is the cooperative difference in action.
Your Voice Shapes Our Future
As a member, you are not a passive customer.
Your insight, feedback and engagement directly influence our priorities and strategic direction. From pricing decisions to service development, governance to investment, member schools help shape SIPS’ future.
This shared ownership model fosters trust, stability and alignment — ensuring that what we build together today continues to deliver value tomorrow.
A Proud Social Enterprise with Purpose
We are proud that our cooperative values are recognised beyond our membership.
In 2025, SIPS was shortlisted as a finalist for Co‑operative of the Year at the Social Economy Awards, reflecting the dedication, professionalism and social purpose of our people. This recognition reinforces what our members already know: SIPS is part of a wider movement putting social value, community impact and collaboration at the heart of how organisations operate.
Standing Together for the Long Term
Schools face increasing financial pressure and uncertainty — but they do not face it alone.
By standing together through a cooperative, not‑for‑profit model, we are proving that there is a better way: one where value beats volume, partnership beats competition, and purpose beats profit.
Thank you for being part of SIPS.
Together, we will continue to protect budgets, strengthen services and put schools first — always.
Want to learn more about SIPS membership or our services?
👉 Visit www.sips.co.uk or get in touch to find out how being part of a schools‑owned cooperative can support your school now and into the future.
