Naming-rights sponsorship model for schools

Perth and Kinross Council should consider introducing a naming-rights sponsorship model for schools, allowing reputable commercial organisations to pay for time-limited naming rights in return for a guaranteed income stream to support education budgets and facilities.

This is a well-established approach in sport, culture, and higher education, yet remains largely untapped in Scottish local education estates. With appropriate safeguards, naming rights could generate significant recurring revenue without affecting curriculum control, admissions, or educational standards.

Examples of how this could work:

• A secondary school becoming “[Company Name] Perth Academy” under a 10–15 year agreement

• STEM-focused sponsorship from engineering, renewables, or technology firms in return for branding and outreach opportunities

• Local or national employers sponsoring refurbished buildings, science blocks, sports halls, or swimming pools (e.g. “The [Sponsor] Sports Hall”)

• Financial institutions or professional services firms sponsoring senior schools linked to employability, apprenticeships, or careers programmes

Key principles should include:

• Clear ethical criteria for sponsors

• Fixed-term agreements with review and break clauses

• Ring-fencing income for school facilities, maintenance, and pupil benefit

• No influence over curriculum, staffing, or governance

At a time when the default options are cutting services or increasing council tax, naming rights represent a commercial, voluntary, and non-tax solution. Given the scale of the school estate in Perth and Kinross, even modest sponsorship deals could deliver meaningful income while keeping assets publicly owned and schools operational.