Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls
Education
About the client
Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls is a high-achieving educational institution with a long-standing reputation for academic excellence. The school promotes a positive and inclusive environment, encouraging students to develop a growth mindset and engage actively in their learning. With a team of specialist subject teachers, the school is committed to delivering a broad and balanced education.
The challenge
After their local authority withdrew energy procurement support, Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls needed a reliable partner to manage their energy contracts. Their key priorities included:
- Securing long-term budget certainty
- Reducing exposure to market volatility and supplier risks
- Identifying efficiency opportunities and ensuring compliance
- Investigating anomalies in their electricity consumption data.
The solution
BCR started by undertaking a detailed consultation with Doug Thorp to fully understand the school’s requirements. A thorough fact-finding process informed a tailored tendering strategy and procurement approach.
Our team delivered:
- A full market analysis and supplier comparison
- Expert review of contract options to manage volatility, volume tolerance, and pass-through costs
- End-to-end supplier transition management
- Deployment of Pan Power technology to monitor real-time energy consumption
Using Pan Power data, BCR identified an unexpected spike in electricity usage during a school closure period. The cause a lighting system left on following testing was quickly resolved, restoring normal consumption levels.
The results
The school now benefits from a secure, well-managed energy procurement strategy and enhanced insight into energy performance. Key outcomes include:
- A fixed 24-month contract aligned with budget and risk priorities
- Full supplier management handled by BCR
- Improved visibility of energy consumption through Pan Power technology
- Rapid resolution of a costly usage anomaly
- Ongoing strategic support from BCR’s Net Zero Consultant and Client Support Manager
Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls now enjoys a proactive, data-driven energy partnership that supports both operational efficiency and long-term sustainability.
“Working with BCR has been a seamless and reassuring experience. From the outset, they took the time to understand our specific needs and provided clear, expert guidance throughout the energy procurement process. Their support in identifying and resolving an unexpected energy usage issue was particularly impressive. We now have a reliable contract in place and ongoing support that gives us complete peace of mind. I would highly recommend BCR to any school or organisation looking for a professional and proactive energy partner.”
— Doug Thorp, Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls
Project summary
- BCR delivered a full review and tendering process for new energy contracts
- A fixed 24-month electricity contract was secured in line with the school’s budget
- Pan Power technology provided visibility of energy use and identified anomalies
- BCR managed delivery, issue resolution, and ongoing support for long-term efficiency

