Who are we?

We were founded in 1930 and have been supplying products and resources to schools and nurseries ever since. We work with customers across the UK and have built up an enviable reputation for excellent customer service, best value pricing and a complete understanding of our customers.

We have always been values-driven and built on the principles of service, fairness and community.

We are wholly owned by Kent County Council and return millions of pounds to the public every year, supporting front line services both in Kent and beyond. As a “Profit with a Purpose” business we care about the impact we have on our customers, people, community and planet.

We’re proud of the positive impact we've had to date, but there is always more we can do and we continue to strive to be the best we can be, for our customers new and old.

Who are we?

Our Values

Founded in 1930, KCS has always been values-driven and ethical, built with the principles of fairness and community. Wholly owned by Kent County Council, we return millions of pounds to the public every year, supporting front line services in Kent and beyond.

As a “Profit with a Purpose” business we care about the impact we have on our customers, our people, our community and our planet.

We’re proud of the positive impact we have had so far, but there is always more we can do, so we will continue to strive to be the best we can be, for our customers new and old.

Our Service

Exceptional service is at the heart of KCS. With an award-winning, UK-based team, we support customers online, on the phone and in person. We meticulously measure our service to ensure we maintain our high standards. 

We have our own fleet of delivery vehicles enabling us to hand deliver your resources quickly with care. Our award-winning drivers have amazing relationships with our customers, often on a first name basis, and we receive wonderful feedback which you can read on our Feefo page.

Our Platinum Feefo Award is a testament to the consistent hard work from all of our teams, showing how the customer is at the heart of everything we do. 

Read what our customers say about us here. 

Our People

Our people are our most important asset and we support and empower our teams to be the best they can be. Our people understand the challenges our customers face, allowing them to make a positive impact for our customers every step of the way.

We’re delighted to have been awarded the Gold Investors in People award recognizing our ongoing efforts championing personal development and employee wellbeing.

Our Shop

Shopping with us is quick and easy, giving you more time to focus on the important things in your school, nursery or office. 

Our website enables you to find what you need quickly, our pricing is always up to date and you can make the most of any special offers and promotions we have on at the time.

Pay online by card or invoice, submit your orders via your internal approval hierarchy or directly into your FMS or finance system. Schedule orders for regular deliveries or buy in bulk to secure better value. Read more about shopping via your FMS here.

Our Products

From the cleaning cupboard to the classroom, KCS have more than 26,000 products chosen to meet the ever-changing needs of education and early years, with thousands of lines introduced each year as we develop and extend our range. 

Always conscious of our impact on the planet KCS have an ever-growing range of Eco Friendly products to suit the classroom, office and facilities cupboard. As we strive to achieve our sustainability goals our Eco Friendly product range will grow, supporting you in making the sustainable choice.

Furniture Solutions

We offer a fully managed design-and-fit service for all fixed/ loose furnishings and equipment. Whatever your requirements, KCS offer a range of solutions to help plan and manage larger furniture and interior projects.

Whatever your space, our aim is to create an inspirational environment you can be proud of.

Read more about our Furniture Solutions service and get in contact here.

MATS and Academies

We have a team of specialists that offer a bespoke service tailored to your MAT. In building a partnership, our team will work to understand your supply requirements and goals and devise a unique blend of services to cater to your needs.

You will receive a dedicated account manager who will provide professional insight and reporting, consolidated invoicing and integrations with your financial management systems. With over 24,000 products and free delivery next day, your experience with KCS will be efficient and effortless ensuring we deliver the best long term value.

Read more about our MAT service here.

Established more than 90 years ago, KCS is one of the largest suppliers to primary and secondary schools, MATs and nursery and early years chains in the UK, with thousands of customers nationwide.

With over 30,000 products and resources ready to order, we are experts in understanding and sourcing what you need, whether it's the everyday essentials or something a little more specialist.

To put it simply, we care about our customers. With free next day delivery as standard, instant ordering at your fingertips, dedicated account managers for account customers and a Platinum award-winning Customer Experience team, we try to do everything to take the headache out of your day.

We understand that value is key and do our best to save you money across your everyday consumables, but will also work with you to consolidate your requirements and make more from your wider annual budget and larger purchases.

Whether you're a school looking for reliability and outstanding service, a MAT looking for a fresh approach to procurement or a nursery that needs some fresh inspiration, we're here to help.

"Our KCS rep works with our school to ensure that the product range offered by KCS is what we need in school. As a school, we need to ensure we are getting best value for money so if KCS can get what we need this works best for us! As education changes, so do our needs so by working with KCS we can ensure that what we need is always available - usually for next day delivery!"

"One point of contact – that’s what busy schools need. Someone who is on your side and who can help you out! Our KCS rep provides this when we need it by rushing through orders ( usually when we have run out of something!) or helping with scheduled deliveries so that items are delivered through the year as when we need them. By talking to our rep, we can work together to ensure the school year runs seamlessly with best value"

As part of Commercial Services Group, we're one of the largest local authority trading organisations in the UK.

Owned by Kent County Council, the Group has grown at an incredible rate since the school supplies division (KCS) was first established in 1930.

You can find out more about Commercial Services Group by visiting www.commercialservices.org.uk.