LocatED Support & Helpline UK

LocatED is an arm’s-length body to the Department for Education (DfE), established to provide the UK education sector with world-class commercial property expertise. Whether you are a headteacher looking to acquire a new site, a landowner wishing to sell for educational use, or a multi-academy trust managing complex estate repairs, reassuring and authoritative help is available.

Property issues can be a significant source of stress for school leaders who are primarily focused on teaching and learning. It is important to know that confidential support UK-wide is available to help you navigate land deals, mixed-use developments, and estate efficiency. Most advice provided to the public sector via LocatED is free support UK-based, ensuring that the taxpayer gets the best value while schools get the facilities they need.

If You Need Help Right Now (CRITICAL SECTION)

If you are facing an immediate physical crisis on a school site—such as a structural collapse, a gas leak, or a serious breach of site security—LocatED is not an emergency blue-light service. You must follow these pathways:

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• Life-threatening emergencies: Call 999 immediately.

• Immediate physical site danger: Contact your Local Authority’s Emergency Property Team or your Trust’s designated Health and Safety officer.

• Crime or break-ins: Call 101 (or 999 if a crime is in progress).

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For LocatED emergency help regarding the immediate risk to a property deal or a time-sensitive site acquisition, contact their main office during business hours.

Understanding LocatED

LocatED was set up in 2017 to solve the "property puzzle" in the education sector. They are property experts who work at pace to buy, develop, and manage sites for schools and colleges across England.

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Who it affects?

• School Leaders & Governors: Seeking to expand or move.

• Local Authorities: Needing strategic advice on pupil place planning and land use.

• Landowners & Developers: Looking to engage with the government on educational projects.

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• Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs): Managing large portfolios of buildings.

Common Problems, Risks, or Situations

You might need to seek LocatED support UK for the following common scenarios:

• Acquiring a Site: You have been approved for a new free school but cannot find a suitable location.

• Surplus Land: Your school has land it doesn't use and you want to know if selling it could fund a new sports hall or building repairs.

• Mixed-Use Development: You want to build a school as part of a larger project (e.g., school plus residential flats) to make the project viable.

• Decarbonisation: You need expert advice on making your school estate "Net Zero" and more energy-efficient.

• Complex Negotiations: You are in a legal or commercial deadlock with a developer or landlord.

Main Section: UK Helplines, Charities & Support

1. Official Government & Property Support

For official advice on school sites and government-backed property transactions.

• LocatED Main Office (General Enquiries)

  • Who it helps: Schools, Trusts, Landowners, and Agents.

  • Phone number: 020 3911 2500

  • Email address: info@located.co.uk

  • Website: https://www.located.co.uk/

  • Availability: Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:30pm.

• Department for Education (DfE) Capital Helpline

  • Who it helps: Schools needing funding for building maintenance or new builds.

  • Phone number: 0370 000 2288

  • Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-education

  • Availability: Office hours.

2. School Management & Estate Advice

• The Key for School Leaders (Estate Management)

  • Who it helps: School governors and headteachers.

  • Website: https://schoolleaders.thekeysupport.com

  • Availability: Online resources and support.

• Good Estate Management for Schools (GEMS)

  • Who it helps: Responsible bodies (MATs, LAs).

  • Website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/good-estate-management-for-schools

  • Service: A comprehensive framework of tools and checklists.

3. Professional & Legal Support

• Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)

  • Who it helps: Anyone needing a professional valuation or survey.

  • Phone number: 024 7686 8555

  • Website: https://www.rics.org

  • Availability: Professional directory for finding local experts.

How to Choose the Right Helpline

Deciding who to call for LocatED related issues depends on the stage of your project:

• For Finding/Buying Land: Contact the LocatED Acquisitions Team via the main office number.

• For Selling Surplus School Land: Contact LocatED's Asset Management Team.

• For Maintenance Funding: Contact the DfE directly or use the GEMS guidance.

• For Legal Disputes: Seek professional advice from a specialist education solicitor.

Step-by-Step: What Happens When You Contact LocatED

1. Enquiry: You submit a query via email or phone regarding a specific property requirement or site.

2. Specialist Assignment: Your query is routed to a specialist (Acquisitions, Development, or Asset Management).

3. Appraisal: LocatED will assess the commercial viability of the site or the project.

4. Action Plan: If viable, they will work alongside the DfE and the school to negotiate and secure the site.

5. Transparency: As a public body, they operate under strict "Value for Money" (VFM) guidelines.

Support for Friends, Family, or Carers

If you are a parent or member of a local community concerned about a school move or the sale of school land:

• Check the Planning Portal: Most property changes require local authority planning permission, which includes public consultation.

• Contact the Governors: The school's governing body is responsible for the estate strategy and can provide clarity.

What You Can Do While Waiting for Support?

• Gather Documentation: Have your site plans, URN (Unique Reference Number), and current lease agreements ready.

• Review GEMS: Read the "Good Estate Management for Schools" guidance to understand your legal responsibilities.

• Secure the Site: If a property is currently vacant, ensure it is properly boarded up and monitored to prevent squatting or vandalism.

Role of Government, Regulators, or Public Bodies

LocatED is owned by the Secretary of State for Education. They are regulated by the Department for Education and must follow the Government Property Strategy. Their primary goal is to use commercial property skills to benefit the public sector, ensuring schools are in the right places and that taxpayers' money is spent wisely on land.

Final Reassurance & Encouragement

Managing school property can feel like navigating a maze, but you do not have to do it alone. LocatED was created specifically to provide the commercial "heavy lifting" for schools. Reaching out for LocatED support UK early can prevent costly mistakes and ensure that your pupils have a safe, modern, and inspiring place to learn.

Support-Related Questions & Answers

1. Who can I call for LocatED in the UK?
You can call their main London-based office at 020 3911 2500 for all property-related enquiries.

2. Is there a free helpline for LocatED?
The main office number is a standard landline. The strategic advice they provide to schools and the DfE is a government-funded service.

3. Can I stay anonymous when suggesting a site for a school?
Yes, you can contact them to share information about a potentially suitable site without disclosing your personal details, though contact info is helpful for follow-up.

4. What if it’s an emergency with a school building?
If a building is unsafe, call 999 or your Local Authority's emergency line. LocatED handles property transactions and development, not day-to-day maintenance.

5. Can I call on behalf of a school I don't work for?
Generally, LocatED works with "Responsible Bodies" (Trusts or Local Authorities), but anyone can suggest a site for acquisition.

6. Does LocatED help with school repairs?
No, they focus on acquisitions, disposals, and major developments. Repairs are usually handled via DfE capital grants or local authority budgets.

7. How do I sell land to LocatED?
Contact their Acquisitions Team. They have a specific list of "Site Requirements" published on their website.

8. Is there a 24/7 helpline UK for property issues?
No, LocatED operates during standard business hours. For 24/7 site security issues, you should contact your private security provider or the police.

9. What is a "Free School" site acquisition?
It is the process where LocatED finds and buys land specifically for a newly approved Free School.

10. Can LocatED help with housing?
Yes, in some cases, they work on "mixed-use" projects that include both a school and residential housing to maximize land value.

11. Does LocatED cover the whole of the UK?
LocatED primarily operates in England, as education property is a devolved matter in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

12. How do I report an empty school building?
Contact the LocatED Asset Management Team if the building is DfE-owned, or your local council.

13. What is the "Net Zero Accelerator"?
It is a LocatED-led initiative to help schools find ways to fund and implement energy-efficiency measures.

14. Who is the CEO of LocatED?
As of the current date, the Chief Executive is Lara Newman.

15. How can I get a job at LocatED?
They list vacancies on their website and often seek experienced property professionals and surveyors.

DISCLAIMER: Please verify all phone numbers, email addresses, and service details on the official government or organisation websites before use. Numbers and contact information are subject to change without notice.