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The complete guide to the GCA RM6376 framework.

Everything schools, headteachers and trust decision makers need to know about the Government Commercial Agency recruitment framework.

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School staff member supported through the GCA RM6376 recruitment framework by MAT Recruitment

Framework Overview

What is the GCA RM6376 framework?

RM6376 is the Government Commercial Agency's framework for supply teachers and education recruitment services. It gives eligible schools and trusts a straightforward way to work with approved recruitment suppliers without starting from scratch every time support is needed.

  • It replaced the previous Crown Commercial Service route in April 2026.
  • It is designed to help schools procure recruitment services compliantly.
  • It includes fee caps, supplier standards and agreed framework documentation.
  • It can support supply, long-term, permanent and specialist education recruitment needs.

Quick facts

The framework, in a nutshell.

These are the numbers and dates schools and trusts tend to ask about first when they are trying to understand the framework.

2029 The framework runs until 29 April 2029.
£45/day Maximum supplier fee for teacher placements — never taken from candidate pay.
£38/day Maximum supplier fee for education support staff placements.
Sept2026 Academy trusts should be prepared to use a recognised framework route.

Who does it apply to?

Does RM6376 apply to your school or trust?

The answer depends on your school type and how your organisation buys recruitment services. This table gives a simple overview for school leaders and business teams.

School type
Framework position
What this means
Multi-academy trust
✓ Expected route
Academy trusts should prepare to use a recognised framework for supply staff procurement.
Single academy trust
✓ Expected route
Single academies are also expected to follow recognised framework guidance when procuring supply staff.
Maintained school
Optional
Maintained schools can still use the framework as a transparent route to recruitment support.
Independent school
Optional
Independent schools may not need the framework, but can still speak to MAT Recruitment about staffing support.

September 2026

What changes for schools and trusts?

The important thing for school leaders is to understand the timeline and make sure your recruitment processes are ready before the new academic year.

Before 2026

Previous route

Schools used the previous Crown Commercial Service framework for supply teacher procurement.

April 2026

RM6376 launches

The GCA Supply Teachers and Education Recruitment framework replaces the previous arrangement.

September 2026

Academy trusts prepare

Academy trusts should be ready to procure supply staff through a recognised framework.

April 2029

Framework end date

The agreement is currently scheduled to run until 29 April 2029.

Why it matters

Why schools and trusts are using this framework.

For busy school leaders, the framework is not about extra paperwork. It is about having a clear, recognised and transparent way to access recruitment support when you need it.

✓

Compliant route

A recognised framework route for eligible schools and trusts procuring recruitment services.

£

Transparent fees

Framework fee caps give schools clearer visibility around supplier costs.

→

Quicker set-up

Direct Award can help schools access support without running a full tender process.

★

Approved suppliers

Suppliers are named on the framework and work within agreed standards and documentation.

Direct Award process

How to start using MAT Recruitment through the framework.

Direct Award is the route many schools and trusts use when they already know which approved supplier they want to work with. In plain English, it is the compliant way to say: "we want to use MAT Recruitment, what do we need to do next?"

What Direct Award means

Rather than running a full tender or comparing several agencies from scratch, your school or trust can choose a named supplier that has already been accepted onto this framework.

The GCA has already carried out supplier checks and agreed the framework terms. Direct Award then gives you a straightforward route to engage that supplier compliantly.

Think of it as an approved shortcut.

If you have already decided MAT Recruitment is the right fit for your school or trust, Direct Award helps you get set up without unnecessary delay.

How it usually works

The process is mainly about recording the right details and setting up the call-off agreement properly.

  1. 1
    Choose MAT RecruitmentYou select us as your named supplier through the framework.
  2. 2
    Complete the Short Order FormThis records your school or trust details, contract dates, contacts, charges and sign-off information.
  3. 3
    Sign onceOnce both sides have signed, your organisation is set up to work with us under the framework terms.
  4. 4
    Start making placementsYou can use MAT Recruitment for future recruitment needs covered by the same call-off agreement until it expires.
Good to know

In most cases, the Short Order Form is completed once at the start of the call-off contract, not every time you recruit. Future placements can normally be made under the same agreement, as long as they are covered by the scope and dates of that call-off contract.

Getting started

How the Short Order Form works.

The Short Order Form is the document used to engage a supplier under the framework. It sounds more complicated than it is — most schools simply need to confirm a few key details.

Preview of the GCA Short Order Form walkthrough video

Watch: the GCA's official walkthrough A practical demo of the Short Order Form from the Government Commercial Agency.

  • 1
    School or trust detailsYour organisation name, address and agreed call-off reference.
  • 2
    Contract datesThe start date, end date and any extension options you want to include.
  • 3
    Charges and contactsAgreed charges, invoicing details, authorised representatives and data protection contacts.
  • 4
    Sign-offSigned by both parties, then saved so future placements can be made under the framework terms.Download Short Order Form

Resources

Helpful RM6376 resources for schools and trusts.

Use this section as a quick access point for the main framework documents, tools and guidance you may need.

Official pageGCA RM6376 Agreement PageThe framework home on gca.gov.uk, including core documents and supplier information.→ Download · docxShort Order FormThe document used to engage a supplier under the framework.→ Download · odtShort Order Form GuidanceGuidance notes to help schools and trusts complete the form correctly.→ Online toolAgency Selection ToolFind and compare approved suppliers using your DfE sign-in.→ GuideRM6376 Buyer GuideThe GCA's overview of how the framework works for buyers.→ DfE guidanceGet Help Buying for SchoolsDfE buying guidance for schools and trusts.→

FAQs

Your RM6376 questions, answered.

These are the questions we expect headteachers, school business leaders, trust leaders and cover managers to ask when reviewing the framework.

What is RM6376?
RM6376 is the Government Commercial Agency framework for supply teachers and education recruitment. It gives eligible schools and trusts a compliant route to access approved recruitment suppliers.
Why was RM6376 introduced?
It was introduced to give schools and trusts a clearer, more transparent way to buy education recruitment services through approved suppliers and agreed framework terms.
Who manages the framework?
The framework is managed by the Government Commercial Agency. It replaced the previous Crown Commercial Service route in April 2026.
Do academy trusts have to use it?
Academy trusts should prepare to procure supply staff through a recognised framework from September 2026. If you are unsure how this applies to your trust, speak to your internal procurement lead or ask us to talk you through the basics.
Do maintained schools have to use it?
Maintained schools may not be required to use the framework in the same way, but many still choose to because it offers a clear, transparent route to approved recruitment support.
Do independent schools have to use the framework?
Independent schools are not usually required to use public-sector procurement frameworks in the same way, but they can still work with MAT Recruitment outside the framework if that is more appropriate.
Can we still work with MAT Recruitment?
Yes. MAT Recruitment is a named supplier on the framework, so eligible schools and trusts can engage us through this route.
What is Direct Award?
Direct Award is a route that allows a school or trust to choose a named approved supplier from the framework without running a full tender, where the framework rules and your organisation's requirements allow it.
Why does Direct Award exist?
It exists because suppliers on the framework have already been assessed and approved. That means schools do not always need to start the whole procurement process from scratch when they already know which approved supplier they want to use.
Do we need to run a tender every time?
Not always. Direct Award may be available when you know which approved supplier you want to work with and the framework route is suitable for your requirement.
What is the Short Order Form?
The Short Order Form is the document used to formally engage a supplier under the framework. It records details such as organisation names, contract dates, charges, representatives and sign-off.
Do we complete the Short Order Form every time we recruit?
Usually, no. In most cases, it is completed once at the start of the call-off contract. Future placements can normally be made under the same agreement until it expires, as long as they are covered by its scope.
How long does the paperwork take?
It is usually straightforward once the required details are available. The exact timing depends on your internal approval process and who needs to sign the form.
What happens to existing placements?
Existing placements usually continue under their already agreed terms. The framework is mainly about how new bookings and new relationships are set up.
Does this only cover day-to-day supply?
No. The framework is centred on supply teachers and education recruitment services, but it can support a wider range of school staffing needs depending on the role and route used.
Can we use it for teaching assistants and support staff?
Yes, education support staff placements are included, with a maximum supplier fee shown separately from teacher placements.
Can we use it for permanent recruitment?
The framework can support permanent and longer-term education recruitment needs. The best route may depend on the role, timescale and your school's requirements.
Can we use it for senior leaders or specialist roles?
Yes, the framework can support a range of education recruitment needs, including leadership, teaching, support and specialist roles, depending on the requirement and route used.
Are candidate pay rates affected by the framework fee cap?
No. The supplier fee cap relates to the supplier fee, not the candidate's pay.
Is there a minimum spend?
There is no minimum spend shown on this page. Your school or trust should check the framework documents and your internal procurement process for any requirements that apply to your organisation.
Can a supply placement become permanent?
Yes, this can be possible. The specific process and any notice requirements should be checked against the framework terms and the arrangement in place.
What safeguarding checks are completed?
Candidates placed into schools should be vetted in line with relevant safeguarding requirements, including checks such as enhanced DBS, right to work, identity, references and role-specific compliance where appropriate.

Why MAT Recruitment?

Framework guidance, backed by education recruitment expertise.

Schools and trusts come to us because they need the right people, not just another supplier list. We help you understand the framework, get set up correctly and make confident placements across teaching, leadership and support roles.

Speak to MAT Recruitment
  • Named supplier on RM6376
  • Education recruitment specialists
  • Support for schools, academies and MATs
  • Friendly guidance for decision makers and business teams
  • Clear process from framework set-up to placement

Not sure what RM6376 means for your school?

We'll happily talk you through the framework, answer your questions and help you understand the simplest route to recruitment support.

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