Approved. Audited. Procurement Ready.
Principal is an approved supplier on the Government Commercial Agency RM6376 Supply Teachers and Education Recruitment Framework — giving schools and academy trusts a compliant, transparent route to procure education staff.
Supply Teachers and Education Recruitment
A compliant procurement route for temporary, fixed-term and permanent education recruitment.
Approved Lot 1 Supplier
The biggest shift in education recruitment procurement for a generation
The framework did not appear in isolation. It forms part of wider reform designed to make public procurement simpler, more transparent and more accountable.
Procurement Act
The Procurement Act received Royal Assent, beginning a major overhaul of public procurement.
New rules commence
The Procurement Act came into force on 24 February 2025.
RM6376 launches
The Government Commercial Agency launched the new Supply Teachers and Education Recruitment Framework.
2026
Academy trust mandate
From September 2026, academy trusts must procure agency supply staff through RM6376 unless they secure a compliant alternative procurement route.
A new approach to public procurement
The Procurement Act 2023 changed the rules governing how public bodies purchase goods and services, with a greater focus on transparency, accountability, supplier capability and value for public money.
Against that backdrop, the Government Commercial Agency introduced RM6376 — a national framework specifically for supply teachers and education recruitment.
The Department for Education then introduced the Supply Staff Mandate. From September 2026, single and multi-academy trusts must procure agency supply staff through RM6376 unless they secure an alternative framework or contract that meets the Government's requirements.
Read about the Procurement ActIt is a procurement route designed to improve transparency, safeguarding assurance, supplier quality, governance and value for public money across education recruitment.
More than a list of recruitment agencies
The framework combines commercial controls with approved suppliers and agreed standards.
Simpler procurement
A ready-made compliant route rather than every school or trust running its own procurement exercise.
Transparent costs
Clear visibility of worker pay, statutory employment costs and the supplier fee.
Approved suppliers
Access to education recruitment businesses that have passed a rigorous evaluation process.
Safeguarding assurance
Defined safeguarding, vetting and background-checking standards that framework suppliers must meet.
Better value
Capped supplier fees and agreed commercial terms provide greater predictability and control.
Greater accountability
Pre-agreed terms, clearer governance and greater consistency across agency supply procurement.
Far more than agreeing to a margin cap
Appointment to RM6376 required Principal to demonstrate that the wider business is suitable, capable and properly controlled — not simply that our supplier fee fell within the permitted cap.
Safeguarding audit
Our safeguarding processes and candidate files were independently reviewed, including the systems used to evidence identity, Right to Work, DBS checks, employment history, references and other vetting requirements.
Cyber Essentials
Principal achieved Cyber Essentials certification, independently confirming that recognised technical controls are in place to help protect against common cyber threats.
Financial standing
The assessment considered financial stability, insurance arrangements and the ability to remain a reliable delivery partner throughout the agreement.
Operational capability
Suppliers had to evidence the systems, people and processes required to deliver a dependable recruitment service at the necessary quality and scale.
Governance & policy
The process extended across legal compliance, data protection, business continuity, complaints handling, quality management and wider business governance.
Transparent pricing — but only part of the story
The supplier fee represents the agency's operating-cost and profit element. It is not the worker's pay and it is only one component of the overall charge to the school.
“Price matters. But price alone does not safeguard children, protect sensitive data or demonstrate that a supplier is operationally fit to support schools.”
Framework assurance. Principal service.
We combine the reassurance of Government-approved procurement with responsive, relationship-led specialist education recruitment.
For Principal, framework approval was never simply about maintaining access to academy trusts. It reflects the direction our business has been taking for several years.
We have invested heavily in safeguarding, compliance, technology and operational standards because schools deserve recruitment partners that combine outstanding service with rigorous professional controls.
Our RM6376 appointment, APSCo Compliance+ accreditation and Cyber Essentials certification are independent markers of that commitment.
Working with Principal is straightforward
Tell us what you need
Share the role, dates, location and specific requirements with your Principal consultant.
We confirm the arrangements
We provide transparent framework pricing and ensure the booking follows the appropriate RM6376 terms.
We deliver the right person
Our team sources and supplies a suitable, fully vetted education professional.
Useful framework resources
Read the official guidance, explore RM6376 and independently verify Principal's appointment to the framework.
DfE Supply Staff Mandate
Official Government guidance explaining the September 2026 requirements for single and multi-academy trusts.
Read guidance →Official RM6376 Framework
View the Government Commercial Agency's official framework page, including scope, benefits, suppliers and buyer documents.
View framework →Verify Principal's Approval
View Principal Recruitment Technology Ltd on the official GCA supplier register as an RM6376 Lot 1 supplier.
View our listing →Procurement Act 2023
Understand the wider procurement reform that changed how public bodies purchase goods and services.
Read guidance →Need staff through the GCA Framework?
Whether you're already using RM6376 or need help understanding what it means for your trust, our team can guide you through the process.
