Education Asset Finance

What is Education Asset Finance?

Education asset finance is usually in the form of an operating lease that enables schools, academies and other educational institutions to acquire the equipment they need to operate and function effectively.

Unlike traditional loans, education asset finance does not require the lessee to make any down payments or monthly repayments.

Instead, the lessor pays for the equipment upfront and then leases it to the educational institution for an agreed-upon period of time, typically three to five years.

At the end of the lease term, the educational institution has the option to purchase the equipment outright or return it to the lessor.

Some of the education finance products available

We offer a range of education finance solutions, including:

School Decarbonisation: We can arrange finance for a wide variety of renewable technologies to deliver on the UK government's target of achieving carbon net zero by 2050.

Sustainability finance: We can arrange finance for a wide variety of renewable technologies and offer advice on sustainability solutions for all schools and academies.

Technology Finance: There are constant improvements to technology, and keeping on top of it can often be costly, with IT companies often switching off support for those systems that haven’t been updated.

Operating lease: A finance lease is simply renting the asset over an agreed period of time and you usually remain responsible for the maintenance.

How does education finance work?

We work with you and the lender of choice to determine the required loan amount, with the lender specifying the terms and conditions. Following your acceptance of the terms and conditions, you will get the full amount and typically make monthly repayments with interest for the specified period of time.

What can education asset finance be used for

Here’s an example of the type of equipment we could help finance:

• Wi-fi systems 
• IT equipment
• Renewable energy assets like solar panels or CHP
• Playground equipment
• Door entry and alarm systems
• LED lighting systems
• Catering equipment
• Interactive whiteboards and screens
• CCTV systems
• Telephone systems 
• Stage equipment

Advantages of using education finance

Education asset finance offers a number of advantages over traditional loans, including:

Reduced upfront costs: With education asset finance, there is no need for an upfront deposit, making it easier for schools and other educational institutions to acquire the equipment they need.

Flexible repayment terms: Education asset finance typically features fixed monthly payments over the life of the lease, making budgeting and cash flow management easier for lessees. In addition, many leases offer early repayment options that can further reduce overall costs.

Off-balance sheet financing: Education asset finance is considered a form of operating lease, it does not appear on the lessee’s balance sheet as debt. This can be beneficial for schools and other educational institutions that are looking to conserve cash or manage their debt load.

How long does it take to secure education finance?

Education finance often varies and depends on the business and type of finance required. Typically, it can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to months to get finance in place. Finance applicants for education finance should have all their accounts in order and available for inspection, just like with any other type of business funding. Bank statements, the last three to five years’ worth of certified accounts, business plans, and specifics on assets and liabilities can all be required.

What are the advantages of using operating lease?

Operating lease offers many benefits such as:

1. Flexibility: Operating leases offer lessees the flexibility to upgrade or return leased equipment at the end of the lease term. This can be especially beneficial for companies whose technology needs are constantly changing.

2. Off-balance sheet financing: Operating leases do not appear on the lessee’s balance sheet as a liability, which can help to improve a company’s financial ratios.

3. Lower monthly payments: Operating leases typically have lower monthly payments than financing a purchase with debt. This can free up cash flow for other purposes.

4. Enhanced security deposit: Some operating leases require only a small security deposit, which can be helpful for businesses with limited capital.

Applying for education asset finance

MAF Finance Group can compare finance offerings from a wide panel of lenders to find the best option for you.

If you would like to get a quote or need further information, simply fill in the form and we will contact you. If you want to speak to someone directly, you can call us on 0115 958 6872 and a member of our team will be happy to speak to you. Alternatively, email us at [email protected].