How To Use The GCA Supply Teachers Framework: A Step-By-Step Guide For Schools And Academy Trusts
The Government Commercial Agency (GCA) Supply Teachers and Education Recruitment Framework (RM6376) is now the Department for Education's preferred route for schools and academy trusts to procure supply teachers, teaching assistants, SEN staff and other education professionals. The framework provides access to pre-approved recruitment suppliers, transparent pricing and capped supplier fees.
From September 2026, single and multi-academy trusts are expected to procure supply staff through the GCA framework unless they can demonstrate that an alternative procurement route is fully compliant and offers equal or better value for money.
This guide explains exactly how to get started.
Step 1: Understand Whether The Framework Applies To You
The framework is available to:
✅ Primary Schools
✅ Secondary Schools
✅ SEN Schools
✅ Alternative Provisions
✅ Local Authority Schools
✅ Single Academy Trusts
✅ Multi-Academy Trusts
✅ Colleges
The framework covers:
- Supply Teachers
- Teaching Assistants
- SEN Specialists
- Cover Supervisors
- Senior Leaders
- School Administrators
- Facilities and Operational Staff
Independent fee-paying schools are not eligible to use the framework.
Step 2: Create Or Access Your DfE Buying Account
To use the framework, you'll need access to the GCA Marketplace.
If you already use Department for Education services, you can sign in using your existing DfE account.
Get Started Here
Sign in or register for a DfE account:
GCA Marketplace – Supply Teachers Framework RM6376
The portal allows you to:
- View approved suppliers
- Compare supplier fee caps
- Access framework documentation
- Start the procurement process
- Run direct awards and mini competitions
Step 3: Decide Which Procurement Route To Use
The framework provides two main routes:
Option A – Direct Award
A Direct Award allows you to appoint an approved supplier without running a full competition where this is appropriate under the framework rules.
This is often the quickest route for schools needing urgent staffing support.
Suitable for:
- Day-to-day supply cover
- Emergency staffing requirements
- Existing preferred supplier arrangements
- Single school requirements
Option B – Further Competition
For larger staffing requirements, academy trusts may choose to invite multiple framework suppliers to submit proposals.
This enables trusts to compare:
- Service delivery
- Pricing
- Candidate availability
- Geographic coverage
- Added value services
Suitable for:
- Multi-academy trusts
- Preferred supplier contracts
- High-volume users
- Long-term staffing programmes
Step 4: Review Supplier Information
All suppliers on the framework have already been assessed for:
- Safeguarding
- Compliance
- Financial stability
- Service quality
- Recruitment capability
This significantly reduces procurement workload compared to sourcing agencies independently.
When comparing suppliers, consider:
Compliance Standards
Do they provide:
- Enhanced DBS checks?
- Barred List checks?
- Identity verification?
- Teacher Regulation Agency checks?
- Right to Work verification?
- Professional references?
Education Expertise
Do they specialise in:
- Primary Education?
- Secondary Education?
- SEN Recruitment?
- Support Staff?
Geographic Coverage
Can they realistically supply staff into your schools?
Step 5: Understand Framework Pricing
One of the biggest misconceptions about the framework relates to supplier fees.
The rates displayed on the framework represent the maximum supplier fee caps permitted under the agreement. They are not necessarily the rates schools will pay.
This means:
✅ Schools gain pricing transparency
✅ Agency margins are capped
✅ Schools are protected from excessive charges
✅ Better commercial terms may still be negotiated
At Mana Education, we frequently work with:
- Academy Trusts
- Federations
- Long-term users
- High-volume schools
to create pricing arrangements below the maximum framework fee caps where appropriate.
Step 6: Complete The Order Form
Once you have selected a supplier, the framework uses a simple ordering process.
This is considerably faster than conducting a full procurement exercise from scratch.
Schools can then begin booking:
- Teachers
- Teaching Assistants
- SEN Staff
- Cover Supervisors
- School Support Staff
through their chosen approved supplier.
Step 7: Start Booking Staff
Once your supplier agreement is in place, staffing requests can usually be fulfilled immediately.
Typical requirements include:
Short-Term Cover
- Daily Supply Teachers
- Emergency Absence Cover
- Planned Leave
Long-Term Cover
- Maternity Cover
- Sickness Cover
- Fixed-Term Contracts
Permanent Recruitment
- Teachers
- Senior Leaders
- SEN Specialists
- School Support Staff
The framework covers temporary, fixed-term and permanent recruitment requirements.
Why Schools Choose Mana Education
Mana Education has been an approved supplier since the original Crown Commercial Service (CCS) framework and continues as an approved supplier under the new GCA RM6376 agreement.
Schools and trusts choose Mana Education because we offer:
✅ GCA Approved Supplier Status
✅ REC Education Audited Standards
✅ Experienced Education Recruitment Specialists
✅ Transparent Pricing
✅ Outstanding Compliance Standards
✅ Flexible Commercial Agreements For Trusts
✅ Local Knowledge Across The East Midlands & Eastern England
Need Help Getting Started?
If your school or academy trust would like guidance on using the GCA framework, our team would be delighted to help.
Whether you're making your first booking through RM6376 or reviewing your current staffing arrangements ahead of the September 2026 mandate, we can guide you through the process.
📞 Freephone: 0800 0 255 144
📧 Email: info@manaeducation.co.uk
🌐 Website: Mana Education
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Frequently Asked Questions About The GCA Supply Teachers Framework (RM6376)
What is the GCA Supply Teachers Framework?
The Government Commercial Agency (GCA) Supply Teachers and Education Recruitment Framework (RM6376) is the Department for Education's approved procurement route for schools and academy trusts to source supply teachers, teaching assistants, SEN staff and other education professionals from pre-approved recruitment suppliers.
The framework provides transparent pricing, capped supplier fees and pre-vetted suppliers, helping schools procure staff compliantly and efficiently.
Who can use the GCA Framework?
The framework is available to:
- Primary Schools
- Secondary Schools
- Special Schools
- Alternative Provisions
- Local Authority Maintained Schools
- Academy Schools
- Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs)
- Sixth Form Colleges
- Further Education Colleges
Independent fee-paying schools are generally not eligible to use the framework.
Do academy trusts have to use the GCA Framework?
The Department for Education expects academy trusts to use the GCA framework when procuring supply staff.
Trusts choosing to use agencies outside the framework may need to demonstrate that they have achieved equal or better value for money and have followed a compliant procurement process.
Using the framework provides a straightforward route to meeting these expectations.
What does RM6376 mean?
RM6376 is the official framework reference number for the Government Commercial Agency's Supply Teachers and Education Recruitment Framework.
It replaced the previous Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Supply Teachers Framework.
Is Mana Education an approved supplier on the GCA Framework?
Yes.
Mana Education is an approved supplier on the GCA Supply Teachers and Education Recruitment Framework (RM6376) and was also an approved supplier under the previous CCS framework agreement.
This demonstrates our long-standing commitment to quality, safeguarding and compliance.
What types of staff can be sourced through the framework?
Schools can source:
- Supply Teachers
- SEN Teachers
- Teaching Assistants
- SEN Teaching Assistants
- Cover Supervisors
- HLTAs
- Learning Support Assistants
- Behaviour Mentors
- School Administrators
- Site and Facilities Staff
- Senior Leadership Staff
- Permanent Teaching Staff
Both temporary and permanent recruitment services are available.
Are the prices shown on the framework fixed?
No.
The rates displayed on the framework represent the maximum supplier fee caps permitted under the agreement.
Schools, academy trusts and high-volume users may often negotiate lower rates depending on their requirements.
At Mana Education, we regularly discuss bespoke pricing arrangements with trusts and larger school groups.
Can academy trusts negotiate better rates?
Yes.
The framework allows suppliers to charge below the published maximum fee caps.
Trust-wide agreements, long-term placements and higher-volume requirements can often result in improved commercial terms.
Is using a framework supplier more expensive?
Not necessarily.
Many schools mistakenly assume framework suppliers cost more.
In reality, the framework introduces fee caps that help protect schools from excessive agency charges while still allowing suppliers to offer lower negotiated rates where appropriate.
Many schools find they achieve better value and lower procurement costs through framework suppliers.
What compliance checks should supply teachers have?
A compliant recruitment supplier should typically carry out:
- Enhanced DBS Checks
- Identity Verification
- Right to Work Checks
- Professional Reference Checks
- Employment History Verification
- Qualification Verification
- Teacher Regulation Agency Checks
- Barred List Checks
- Overseas Checks where applicable
Mana Education completes these checks before candidates are placed into schools.
How does the framework support safeguarding?
All approved framework suppliers must meet strict compliance and safeguarding standards.
This helps schools access staff who have been recruited through robust vetting procedures aligned with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) requirements.
Does using the framework help with Ofsted inspections?
Whilst Ofsted does not require schools to use a particular recruitment supplier, using a compliant framework supplier can provide reassurance that appropriate safeguarding and recruitment checks have been completed.
This can help support schools' wider safeguarding arrangements.
What is the difference between a Direct Award and a Further Competition?
Direct Award
Allows schools to appoint an approved framework supplier directly where appropriate.
This is often the fastest option and can be ideal for urgent staffing requirements.
Further Competition
Allows schools or academy trusts to invite multiple framework suppliers to submit proposals.
This is often used for larger contracts, trust-wide arrangements or high-volume staffing requirements.
Can schools appoint a preferred supplier through the framework?
Yes.
Many schools and academy trusts use the framework to establish preferred supplier arrangements, helping to improve consistency, reduce procurement administration and secure agreed commercial terms.
Can temporary staff become permanent employees?
Yes.
The framework contains provisions that allow schools to appoint temporary workers permanently after qualifying periods have been met, often without paying transfer fees.
Specific terms and conditions apply.
How long does it take to start using the framework?
Most schools can begin the process immediately.
Once registered on the GCA Marketplace and the appropriate procurement route has been selected, schools can often begin working with framework suppliers very quickly.
How do I access the GCA Framework?
Schools can access the framework through the GCA Marketplace.
You can sign in using an existing Department for Education account or register for a new account if required.
Get started here:
https://marketplace.service.gca.gov.uk/supply-teachers/RM6376/
Why do schools choose Mana Education?
Schools and academy trusts choose Mana Education because we offer:
✔️ Approved GCA Supplier Status
✔️ Approved CCS Supplier Heritage
✔️ REC Education Audited Standards
✔️ Outstanding Compliance Procedures
✔️ High-Quality Teachers and Support Staff
✔️ Competitive Framework Pricing
✔️ Flexible Commercial Agreements
✔️ Local Knowledge and Dedicated Consultants
✔️ Support Across the East Midlands and Eastern England
Can Mana Education help us understand the framework?
Absolutely.
Whether you're making your first booking through the framework, reviewing your current staffing arrangements or considering a trust-wide supply strategy, our team can explain the process and help you identify the most cost-effective and compliant solution.
Bonus FAQ (Excellent for SEO)
What happens if an academy trust does not use the GCA Framework?
Academy trusts choosing not to use the framework may need to demonstrate that they have followed a compliant procurement route and achieved equal or better value for money than the framework provides.
This can create additional administration and evidential requirements compared to using an approved framework supplier.
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