Independent Schools

Gain the control, certainty and efficiency savings your school deserves.

Transparent and comprehensive solutions from a dedicated team.

Unlock energy efficiency and future-proof your estate – through our trusted expertise and a personal service that delivers exceptional value and long-term resilience.

We understand that managing your school is far more than a financial exercise – it’s about safeguarding a legacy.

Harnessing decades of expertise, we empower you to balance tradition with progress – protecting your heritage while building an ever more appealing, future-ready school.

As a dedicated partner, we free up your resources so you can focus on what is most important – delivering exceptional education. By reducing energy costs and eliminating administrative burdens, we give you the freedom to invest more in your students while strengthening your appeal to prospective families.

We go well beyond procurement to provide superior insights and comprehensive, cost-effective solutions, tailored to the unique complexities of your estate. You’ll gain new levels of clarity, control, budget certainty and energy savings – giving you complete peace of mind. Want to find out more?

Speak to one of our team
Gain a true strategic partner with our

Dedicated Independent Team

Our skilled experts deliver a bespoke, personalised service that combines deep sector expertise with complete transparency and measurable value. We'll help you navigate everything from your historic buildings to pressing industry developments, like Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS).

Matthew D'Agostino

Business Development Manager

Karina Joshi

Client Partner

Billy Pryke

Client Partner

Ellie Cant

Procurement Manager

Wayne Kitenge

Procurement Manager

Your world, our specialist subject

We understand managing an estate is a complex undertaking.

Which is why we offer a comprehensive service that helps you achieve your goals. Whether you need to save time, reduce costs or administrative burdens, you can rely on our dedicated team to take the weight away so you can focus on what you do best.

Cost pressures

Independent schools are facing significant cost pressures due to rising staff salaries, pension contributions and significant costs of energy, alongside increasing regulatory and compliance requirements. Knowing costs in advance is crucial for financial planning – especially as energy is one of the largest costs after staffing.

Historic buildings

School estates with listed buildings face the complex challenge of balancing modernisation and efficiency against the legal and practical requirements of preservation. It can be difficult to justify the upfront capital expenditure for energy-efficient implementations that offer a lower and slower return on investment.

Complex estate management

Facilities like swimming pools and boarding houses can cause unpredictable spikes in energy use. The vast number of buildings and meters equally creates a huge administrative burden, since more can go wrong with suppliers as a result – from meter readings, to estimates, or billing issues.

Lack of data and control

Meters often cover large areas and multiple buildings. Without half-hourly metering in place, the lack of granular, building-level energy data makes it impossible to identify and rectify costly inefficiencies across the estate.

Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement

One of the biggest overhauls of the electricity market in decades is underway. While it could present the biggest opportunity for cost saving by optimising energy use, the increased risk of implementation problems and billing errors could be potentially burdensome, especially if schools aren’t able to upgrade their meters in line with their strategic priorities.

VAT implications

The removal of tax breaks on school fees is challenging independent schools to maintain financial viability. Managing this effectively is key – from ensuring schools claim the reduced VAT and CCL rate for residential use where applicable, to improving energy efficiency and reducing consumption.

Our pledge to you.

Zenergi is committed to being a true partner – combining trusted expertise and a personal service to deliver exceptional value and long-term resilience. Our pledges demonstrate our commitment to independent schools and what you can expect when choosing to partner with us.
You can learn more about our Partner Pledge here:

Supporting your complex estate needs with complete solutions.

You can uncover more ways to make your budget go further.

Discover a partner who delivers exceptional value and tailored solutions for your unique needs – beyond procurement. From fulfiling obligations and keeping you ahead of the market and industry-wide changes like MHHS to offering low or no-cost solutions that can help drive efficiencies. We find every opportunity to deliver savings.

Market Watch being viewed on tablet

Comply

Fulfil your regulatory obligations and safeguard your future operations, while staying ahead of industry changes like Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS).

Comply

Deliver

Seamlessly implement cost-effective solutions that even work within the constraints of your listed buildings, with a single partner who can manage all the complexities for you.

Deliver

Buy

Choose an energy procurement solution that suits you. We offer both fixed and flexible contracts with expert guidance to deliver budget certainty and exceptional value.

Buy
Lady carrying Greener Schools Index

Net Zero

Bolstering your school's sustainability credentials is vital for enhancing your appeal to prospective families. We'll help you achieve your goals responsibly and sustainably.

Net zero

Partner with a trusted name where you can count on value and transparency.

We have been working hand-in-hand with the education sector for over two decades, supporting over 300 independent schools. As a platinum partner of the Independent Schools’ Bursars Association (ISBA) we’re already an integral part of the independent school network.

ISBA
trusted platinum partner
33

%
savings delivered through procurement1
395
independent schools supported already
2,726

tCO2e
annual savings delivered through ESOS
£1,770,415
annual savings for 17 schools through ESOS
Learn more about how we can help you.
Our partnership journey

How we help you.

We are committed to helping you overcome the complexities of managing your estate and providing you with exceptional value. Through our consultative and transparent approach, we’ll guide you through a seamless journey designed to identify opportunities that drive efficiency and unlock savings – safeguarding your legacy and future-proofing your estate. Each journey is tailored to your unique needs, but it all starts in the same place:

Consultative discovery

Gain a strategic, high-level understanding of your estate’s current regulatory standing and opportunities to drive efficiency. The journey begins with a complimentary, in-person Discovery Meeting to understand your priorities and listen to your needs. We’ll discuss the various opportunities to improve your estate’s efficiency and provide an initial assessment of your strategy against upcoming regulatory hurdles, such as Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS), along with your broader compliance obligations.

No cost. No obligation. Complimentary advice.

Uncover hidden inefficiencies with a detailed, technical analysis of your entire estate’s performance and a clear, data-driven view of your saving opportunities. Based on your needs, our technical experts will conduct a detailed on-site assessment and review your metering arrangements, on-site efficiency and the performance of your buildings. Using advanced auditing tools, we’ll identify any technical inefficiencies and potential heat loss in places like your boarding houses or listed buildings.

Transparent fixed fee. No obligation.

Receive a clear, data-driven roadmap for your strategic estate planning, empowering you to make informed decisions. Based on the audits we conduct we’ll provide you with the insights gathered and a strategic roadmap to achieving compliance and optimising your estate’s efficiency. We’ll discuss the practical opportunities we’ve identified and strategies for implementation, including low or no-cost improvements, prioritising the most cost-effective solutions that offer you the most impactful benefits.

No obligation. Fully costed. Clear ROI for solutions.

Implement the most cost-effective solutions, with all complexities seamlessly managed by your single trusted partner. Based on the agreed strategy and your priorities, we’ll deliver comprehensive solutions with minimal disruption to your school – managing the entire process for you. From LED lighting design and Solar Power Purchasing Agreements to the deployment of AMR meters. We can provide the granular, building-level data you need through the connection of our Zenergi Portal to drive efficiencies – all while keeping you ahead of major industry changes like MHHS.

No upfront cost. Fixed service fee. Seamless delivery.

Navigating the energy market, planning budgets, managing supplier relationships and rectifying billing errors across hundreds of meters is an immense administrative burden. We’re committed to providing you with exceptional value and an excellent service – so you can focus on what you do best. From offering the most competitive energy pricing and tailored solutions that help plan your budget, to proactively identifying and resolving invoice errors with suppliers, our comprehensive service really sets us apart – taking care of your long-term resilience and giving you complete peace of mind.

Managed service fee. Proactive support. Complete peace of mind.

Unlock peak energy efficiency and future-proof your estate with intelligent insights and innovative solutions that turn operational blind spots into strategic savings. We empower your team with powerful insights through our market-leading Zenergi Portal, allowing you to take control of your energy management. Through our dedicated partnership our team continuously monitors and optimises your usage, identifying further opportunities for efficiency and savings.

Data-driven insights. Continuous value. Proven partnership.

Helping schools get ahead of half-hourly metering

Case Study

How installing new meters for St John’s School helps give them the data they need and complete peace of mind

Discover how St John’s had power when needed by calling on our experienced team to fast-track a meter installation. This meant St John’s School could focus on the grand opening of its upgraded facility, instead of liaising with several contracting parties to keep the project on schedule.

What St John's School thought
The team at Zenergi were clear and helpful and gave us the peace of mind that everything possible had been done to ensure the meter was installed as quickly as possible. The meter went in painlessly! Excellent service from the Zenergi team."
Will Nash Estates Director, St John's School
Demystifying the complex world of energy

The independent school leader’s guide to energy procurement

Explore our white paper to clearly understand how to overcome your challenges and meet your procurement needs.

Download now
From compliance to procurement.

A comprehensive service that sets us apart.

We understand the immense pressure independent schools face. With Zenergi you can overcome the complexities of managing your estate by choosing one expert partner who can seamlessly take care of all your energy needs and more – making your life easier.

Net zero

Zenergi

Comply

Deliver

Buy

Comply
Deliver
Buy
Net Zero

Comply

Our team of experts will help you navigate the complex world of carbon compliance and reporting. We’ll help you understand your obligations and provide you with the tools and knowledge to meet them.

Our Comply Products

TM44 Air Conditioning Inspections

Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme

Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting

Energy Performance Certificates

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards

Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism

Display Energy Certificates

Deliver

We’ll define your environmental potential, accelerating your progress to net zero. Our specialists will deliver services that minimise the impact of your built environment and lower your energy consumption.

Our Deliver Products

Non-Half-Hourly Meter Exchanges

Siteworks

Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) Condition Survey

Solar PV

Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme

Low Carbon Skills Fund (LCSF)

Heat Decarbonisation Plan

Mechanical and Electrical Design

Renewables Obligation (RO) & Contracts for Difference (CfD)

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging

Buy

Navigate the turbulent world of energy with confidence.

Our market experts will guide and streamline your procurement strategy and make utility management simpler and more efficient.

Our Buy Products

Telecoms

Bill Validation

Water Procurement

Public Sector Energy Framework

Energy Procurement

Zenergi Portal

Net Zero

Our passion is net zero and we want to help you achieve this goal.

We’ll create a tailored roadmap to help you realise a sustainable future efficiently and economically.

Our Net Zero Products

Net Zero Pathway

Accreditation Services

Climate Action Plans

Our commitment to independent schools

The Zenergi Partner Pledge

Zenergi is committed to being a true partner to schools - combining trusted expertise and a personal service to deliver exceptional value and long-term resilience. Our pledges demonstrate our commitment to independent schools and what you can expect when choosing to partner with us.

Managing an independent school is far more than a financial exercise – it’s about safeguarding a legacy. We commit to empowering you to balance tradition with progress – protecting your heritage while building a more sustainable, future-ready estate.

Demonstrating prudent financial governance and gaining budget certainty is critical to your school’s success. We commit to being your trusted partner in financial stewardship, treating your financial health as our primary responsibility by proactively helping you navigate the complexities of the market and support you in planning your budget – finding every opportunity to drive efficiencies.

Building a trusted partnership demands absolute clarity. We commit to being completely open and upfront about how we are remunerated, providing unwavering transparency in every action we take. You will always have a clear, auditable view of our fees, ensuring you have the clarity and confidence you need to make the best financial decisions for your school.

In the face of significant cost pressures, we understand the importance of being commercially efficient. We commit to delivering exceptional value, ensuring every penny of your budget goes further. We provide the most competitive energy pricing through our broad suite of suppliers and give you the choice of flexible or fixed contracts and lengths to suit your needs. We also go beyond procurement by delivering practical, cost-effective solutions that drive efficiencies across your estate and save you money.

Every school is different and having a partner who truly understands your unique challenges is important. We commit to providing you with a dedicated team and single point of contact who is focused on your success, while giving you seamless access to the deep expertise and wide-ranging resources in our business when you need it.

Managing supplier relationships, rectifying billing errors and chasing incorrect estimates across hundreds of meters is an immense administrative burden. We commit to taking the weight away and reducing the burden for you, by providing a comprehensive service that other suppliers don’t. This critical layer of support ensures we help safeguard you from financial losses and free you to focus on your strategic priorities.

In a complex and volatile energy market, you need direct access to credible experts who can provide strategic counsel and solve problems quickly. We commit to being that expert partner, providing proactive guidance and insight to help you navigate the industry’s complexities – from market movements to the specific challenges of your own estate.

Unlocking efficiency and future-proofing your estate requires intelligent insights and innovative technical delivery. We commit to turning your complex operational challenges into strategic advantages, seamlessly delivering the comprehensive solutions and insights you need through one expert partner. We’ll help you achieve your strategic priorities and making your life easier.

Bolstering your school’s sustainability credentials is vital for enhancing your appeal to prospective families. As a business committed to Powering a Sustainable Future, we commit to helping you achieve your goals responsibly and sustainably, providing innovative solutions that align with your prudent financial management.

Budgeting and forecasting should not be a recurring headache.

Get the strategic insight and support you need to navigate the complexities of the energy market and plan your budget with our dedicated, expert team.

Let's start the conversation
View all

Powering a historic dining hall for St John’s School.

Our Siteworks team streamlined a complex meter installation to meet ambitious timescales and ensure a new dining hall opened on time.

Karina Joshi

Strategic Customer Success Manager

St John's School Customer Success Manager

Bill Validation case study for independent school

How one conversation led to a £107,000 refund for a leading independent boarding school

Billy Pryke

Strategic Customer Success Manager

How our energy audit identified savings of £50,000 for E-ACT.

Discover how our exciting new programme for Multi-Academy Trust, E-ACT, identified huge carbon and cost savings in just six months.

Identified energy savings
246,193
kWh
Identified carbon savings
48.16
tCO2e
Identified cost savings
£
50,114

Greener transport: helping Gregory Group meet ambitious goals.

A science-led partnership with one of the UK’s largest transport groups that led to impressive net zero acceleration.

Harry Eaves

Senior Energy Consultant

Zenergi

Discover how our energy audits highlighted £94,955 of annual savings for Aldermore Bank.

We’re helping Aldermore Bank to reduce carbon emissions and cut costs – all while keeping the bank’s net zero strategy firmly on track.

Total carbon saving
172.6
tCO2e
Total annual cost saving
£
94,955

Halving Glenmorangie’s energy costs through strategic building optimisation.

Discover how our partnership helped a whisky giant transform their facility’s energy efficiency with targeted solutions.

Estimated annual electricity consumption savings
59
%
Estimated annual gas consumption savings
52
%
Estimated annual overall energy savings
55
%
How we helped Danes Educational Trust unlock £166,000 for carbon reduction.

How we helped Danes Educational Trust secure £166,000 for carbon reduction.

Phase 2 LCSF grant awarded
£
39,000

Leigh Academies Trust saves £500,000+ through flexible energy purchasing.

Discover how a 10+ year partnership helped one of the country’s largest and most established Multi-Academy Trusts navigate a turbulent energy market

Achieved savings: Year one
£
399,311
Forecast savings: Year two
£
200,287
Forecast savings: Year three
£
43,511

Partnering with PR Associates to drive compliance and energy efficiency in schools.

We’re helping to ensure over 100 schools have the confidence to focus on their priorities – all while remaining compliant and optimising efficiency.

Simon Watts

Partnerships Manager

Zenergi

Shropshire Council: Enabling compliance for over 10 years.

We’re helping Shropshire Council to achieve compliance through Display Energy Certificates and progressively reduce it’s environmental footprint. Zenergi is also enabling targeted energy reduction in key buildings.

Darren Myers

Carbon Compliance Manager

Zenergi

Contact our team today

Our dedicated team are ready to take the weight away, so you can focus on what you do best.

1Our Flexible Purchasing Zen Secure electricity basket beat the market price by 33%, based on October 24 annual period versus average price the customer would have achieved.

Quick links