FAQs Archive - National School Transfer

Q: Why must individual buyers provide a copy of their CV?

In order that when a buyer wishes to visit a school or nursery we can tell the seller something about the background and suitability of the potential buyer.

Q: Why must individual buyers provide the names and addresses of two character referees?

To ensure that there are people who are prepared to vouch for the credentials of buyers. Our sellers expect this.

Q: Why do buyers need to register before being told any details regarding schools or nurseries?

Sellers are not willing for members of the public, who have not been vetted, to be in possession of the details of their school or nursery. Confidentiality is an essential part of the service that we offer and it is the reason why schools trust us.

Q: Will I receive regular updates of the ‘Outline List’?

We do not send every update of the Outline List to all the buyers who are fully-registered with us, though we will always send one on request. All our fully registered buyers are automatically notified of any new opportunities that come onto our books that match their stated requirements.

Q: Is it worth registering as a buyer even though NST doesn't currently have any schools or nurseries in the area I am looking for?

Yes definitely - sellers come onto our books all the time from all over the country and worldwide.

Q: How do you match buyers to my school or nursery?

We have over 400 active buyers registered with us at any time and manually matching them would be very time-consuming. We use a database, developed in-house, that matches a fully-registered buyer's wishes with a school or nursery profile.

Q: How long will it take for a buyer’s registration to be completed?

As quickly as you or your referees respond to us. We will inform you when you are fully registered.

Q: Are sellers restricted to sole agency?

No. You can opt for either ‘Open Market’ or ‘Sole Agency’ arrangements. We appreciate that the key issue to you, as a seller, is to find a buyer for your school or nursery, so even our Sole Agency arrangement only ties you to us for 3 months, from the date of launch.

Q: How do I know how much my business/school is worth?

Normally it is the ‘Bricks and Mortar’ value, plus a sum for the stock and goodwill. The goodwill figure will be a function of the operating profit of the business. Pat will show you how to calculate your operating profit.