Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said: “Schools always have and always will look for ways to achieve the very best value for money for their pupils. Tools that help them to do that can be useful.

“However, there is only so far that efficiencies and cost savings can take you. Schools are facing unprecedented cost pressures, from gas and electricity price hikes to surging food costs. Achieving value for money will not make up for insufficient funding to cover these rising costs.”