Our Story

Built on experience. Grown through trust. Committed to schools.

EquipMySchool was founded in 2007 by Helen and Stuart, who had already spent more than a decade supporting British International Schools. When their previous employer closed, they saw both a challenge and an opportunity: could they build a company that delivered excellent service for schools without unnecessary cost?

With the encouragement of family, friends, and mentors Clive Sharples and Mary Walker, EquipMySchool began life in humble facilities. That first year was experimental — a chance to prove that a small, determined team with the right experience could create something better. Schools quickly discovered that they could.

Growth and Expansion

In 2008, the company moved into its first proper warehouse and the team began to grow. Demand from schools outpaced the space, and EquipMySchool soon needed larger premises.

By 2011, schools were asking not only for British products but also for American resources. Initially offered to a small group of clients, this service was extended to all schools by 2013 with the creation of EquipMySchool USA, which is when Andrew Schmidt joined Helen and Stuart as Directors. With Andrew playing a key role setting up American operations, a new warehouse and team were established in Charleston, South Carolina.

In 2018, the US business relocated to a larger warehouse to support further growth. That same year, EquipMySchool released the third generation of its Procurement Portal — a system designed specifically for schools to streamline purchasing and approvals. Unlike the earlier versions, this portal was robust, full-featured, and welcomed by schools worldwide. It continues to evolve today, with development driven by the needs of our clients.

Where We Are Today

From modest beginnings, EquipMySchool has grown into a trusted procurement partner for international schools worldwide. With warehouses in both the UK and the US, and a team dedicated to sourcing, consolidating, and delivering resources, we make procurement simpler and more reliable for schools of all sizes.

Our growth has been steady, but our values remain the same as in 2007:

Provide excellent service without unnecessary cost.
Build long-term relationships based on trust.
Constantly improve to meet the needs of schools.

EquipMySchool’s story is one of resilience, growth, and partnership. From the very first order to the latest release of our Procurement Portal, we’ve been committed to one goal: making life easier for schools.

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I too, would like to add my vote of thanks to the EquipMySchool staff for the very professional and prompt manner in which our order for the next school year is being handled. It is good to work with such a fine group of business-minded persons.

Prof. George Hickman, Principal

The Regent Secondary School, Nigeria