School budgets are tighter than ever. Primary leaders are under constant pressure to balance high-quality teaching, pupil outcomes, and staff wellbeing — all while making every pound work harder.
That’s why more schools are looking carefully at how they spend their budget, not just what they spend it on.
So why allocate funding to SATs Companion?
Because it doesn’t just support attainment — it saves time, reduces workload, and replaces multiple resources with an all-in-one solution. Many teachers report saving around three hours a week on marking and planning, which has a direct impact on workload and wellbeing.
If you’re considering SATs Companion but wondering where the funding could come from, here are some practical, realistic options schools are already using.
1. Review where is your budget is currently being spent
The first step is often the simplest: take a fresh look at existing spending.
Ask yourself:
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Are you buying single-use revision books or test packs each year?
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Are Maths, Reading and SPaG covered by separate resources or platforms?
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How much staff time is spent marking, analysing, and managing these materials?
Multiple systems often mean:
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duplicated costs
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extra admin
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multiple logins for staff and pupils
SATs Companion brings Maths, Reading and SPaG assessments, revision and tracking into one platform, with instant marking and clear analysis. For many schools, this allows them to replace rather than add resources.
If you have subscriptions or test materials coming up for renewal, it’s a good moment to compare costs and workload side by side.
2. Using Pupil Premium Funding Effectively:
SATs Companion is frequently funded through Pupil Premium, particularly where the focus is on closing attainment gaps.
Schools use it to:
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support targeted intervention groups
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provide differentiated practice instantly
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track progress at pupil, group, and cohort level
Because questions can be pitched appropriately and gaps identified quickly, staff can intervene earlier and more precisely — a key requirement for effective Pupil Premium spending.
Some schools choose to purchase SATs Companion specifically for intervention groups, using a smaller, targeted package to maximise impact while keeping costs manageable.
3. Getting parents on board:
With school funding regularly discussed in the media, many parents are already aware of the pressures schools face — especially in Year 6.
We work with schools that have successfully:
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funded SATs Companion through PTFA contributions
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used proceeds from parent fundraising events
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split the cost between school budget and PTFA support
Parents are often keen to support resources that:
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directly benefit their child
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provide personalised support in the crucial run-up to KS2 SATs
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can be used both in school and, where appropriate, at home
We’ve even worked with schools that funded their licence through a simple cake sale — proof that small community efforts can make a real difference.
Making Your Budget Work Harder
When budgets are tight, schools need solutions that:
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replace multiple resources
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reduce teacher workload
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provide clear impact evidence
SATs Companion supports intervention, differentiation and assessment in one place — helping schools improve outcomes without increasing staff pressure.
If you’d like to explore how SATs Companion could fit within your current budget, a short, no-pressure conversation can help identify the best option for your school.