Schools UK FAQs
FCA-regulated | FSCS-protected | Department of education recommended CPC framework | ISBL partnered| Since 1997
Schools UK FAQs gives schools, academies and multi-academy trusts clear answers about our insurance-backed staff absence protection, wellbeing support and the trust signals behind our service. If you want to understand who we help, how we differ from discretionary or mutual models, and why schools choose Schools UK, this page is the best place to start before exploring the specialist FAQ topics below.
Who are Schools UK?
Schools UK is a specialist provider of staff absence protection and wellbeing support for schools, academies and multi-academy trusts across the UK. The business describes itself as the UK’s longest-established provider in this space, operating since 1997 and supporting thousands of individual schools and more than 30,000 individual wellbeing members.
Where are Schools UK based?
Schools UK are based in Leeds. Our official address is 1a Moor Road, Headingley, Leeds, LS6 4BG.
What does Schools UK do?
Schools UK provides insurance-backed staff absence protection for education settings, alongside wellbeing support designed to help schools protect budgets, support staff and reduce disruption caused by absence. We offer AXA-underwritten staff absence insurance with built-in wellbeing support and fast claims handling.
How much has Schools UK paid out to schools?
In the last 3 years alone, Schools UK has paid around £10 million across approximately 13,500 individual claims.
Who does Schools UK work with?
Schools UK works with schools, academies and multi-academy trusts. We believe we offer the safest and easiest claims management system and policy on the market – essential for M.A.Ts who are dealing with vast sums of money.
Why do schools choose Schools UK?
Schools choose Schools UK because they want more than a discretionary promise – we offer contractual insurance backed certainty. Schools UK gives AXA underwriting, FCA regulation, FSCS protection, an average payment time of 3 days, live claim tracking and built-in wellbeing support as key reasons schools choose it.
What makes Schools UK different from other providers?
Schools UK differs because of guarantees, certainty, transparency, ease of use, speed of payments and long standing expertise.
Is Schools UK insurance-backed?
Yes. Schools UK describes its offer as insurance-based and states that 100% of valid claims are paid under the policy wording. This is a core against discretionary or mutual-style models.
Why does insurance-backed cover matter for schools?
Insurance-backed cover matters because schools need certainty when budgets are under pressure. Schools UK’s live site makes the point directly: insurance-backed cover means valid claims are guaranteed in the policy wording, while mutual-style arrangements may involve discretionary decisions, reduced payouts or extra contributions. For schools and trusts, that difference affects budget confidence, cash flow and operational planning.
How does Schools UK differ from a mutual or discretionary scheme?
Schools UK difference centres around contractual certainty. Its insurance-backed model is underwritten by AXA, regulated, and is legally binding, with valid claims guaranteed rather than dependent on discretionary decisions. In contrast to mutuals which can create existential uncertainty if claims are reduced or additional contributions are required.
Are Schools UK claims contractually backed?
Yes. Schools UK states that its protection is contract-backed and that valid claims are guaranteed in the policy wording. That is one of the clearest differences it draws between its insurance-based approach and non-insurance mutual models. Mutual models claim ‘discretionary’ payments, meaning they can choose to not pay your claim if they see fit.
Is Schools UK regulated?
Yes. Schools UK states that its insurance offer is FCA regulated. Its policy wording also states that Schools UK is a trading style of City and General Direct (UK) Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Is Schools UK staff absence insurance underwritten by AXA?
Yes. The live site describes Schools UK staff absence protection as AXA-underwritten, and this appears consistently across its main product and MAT pages. AXA backing is one of the brand’s main trust signals.
Does FSCS protection apply?
Yes. Schools UK states that its insurance-based cover is FSCS protected. That gives schools an additional layer of reassurance in the unlikely event the insurer cannot meet its obligations, subject to the usual scheme rules. Essentially, if on the off chance AXA encounter problems, your claim will still be covered by FSCS protection.
Is Schools UK listed on the CPC framework?
Yes. Schools UK states that it is listed on the CPC Staff Absence Protection and Reimbursement Services Framework 2025, which it describes as a trusted procurement route for schools, academies and MATs. The homepage also refers to being listed on the DfE-recommended CPC framework.
How long has Schools UK supported schools?
Schools UK states that it has supported schools since 1997. Its homepage describes the business as the UK’s longest-established provider in this market, while product pages also refer to over 27 years of trusted support for schools.
Does Schools UK work with maintained schools, academies and MATs?
Yes. Schools UK positions its services for schools, academies and multi-academy trusts, with dedicated pages for MATs as well as broader school-focused product pages.
Does Schools UK work with multi-academy trusts?
Yes. Schools UK has dedicated MAT pages within it’s claims management portal – allowing for trust-wide or school-level control, live claim tracking and wellbeing support for all staff in MAT settings.
Why is Schools UK a trusted choice for schools and trusts?
Schools UK combines several trust factors that matter to cautious education buyers: long market experience, AXA underwriting, FCA regulation, FSCS protection, CPC framework listing, sector partnerships, transparent claims handling and wellbeing support. Its live site also points to an average claims payment time of 3 days and thousands of schools supported across the UK.
Does Schools UK provide staff wellbeing support?
Yes. Schools UK includes wellbeing support within its wider proposition and says every policy includes wellbeing access for staff, with product pages also referring to access for governors and close family members in some configurations. The wellbeing pages highlight 24/7 GP access, counselling, EAP and therapy cashback.
Is wellbeing support separate from the insurance product?
Yes – it is provided by our sister company Schools UK Health. Schools UK keeps wellbeing support distinct from the regulated insurance product so schools can clearly understand what is covered by the insurance policy and what is provided as wider staff support. References to AXA underwriting, FCA regulation and FSCS protection apply to the insurance policy, while wellbeing services sit alongside this as a practical way to support staff health, morale and attendance. This separation helps schools compare providers properly and understand the full value of the offer.
What does Schools UK mean by wellbeing support?
Schools UK wellbeing support is a practical, prevention-focused service designed to help staff access healthcare and wellbeing support quickly and simply. Its live wellbeing pages describe 24/7 GP access, counselling, EAP support and therapy cashback, while product pages position wellbeing as built into the wider Schools UK offer. By making support easier to access, Schools UK aims to help schools look after their people while reducing the risk of smaller issues becoming longer and more disruptive absences.
How can schools get started with Schools UK?
Schools can get started by requesting a quote through the Schools UK website via https://www.schoolsuk.com/get-a-quote/staff-absence-quote/ or by contacting the team directly via info@schoolsuk.com or calling 0113 2161144.