A cycle to work scheme for schools and universities delivers this by helping employees spread the cost of a commuting bike and accessories through salary sacrifice, making cycling to work more affordable. Education employees can save money and improve their wellbeing by enjoying a healthier commute, and employers can support their staff while reducing National Insurance costs and demonstrating a commitment to sustainability.

In short, a cycle to work scheme is a practical benefit that aligns with the values education institutions already champion: health, learning, community and environmental responsibility. And as the UK's leading cycle to work scheme provider, Cyclescheme is here to deliver.

What is a salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme for schools and universities? 

The Cyclescheme cycle to work scheme for education employers allows eligible employees to buy a bike and commuting accessories through their employer, and pay for them through salary sacrifice. This includes a standard bike, an electric bike, a folding bike, and a wide range of other choices, as well as safety equipment such as helmets, locks, and other cycling gear.

The process is straightforward:

1. The employer joins the scheme.
2. Employees choose a bike and accessories suitable for commuting.
3. The employer approves the application and pays for the equipment.
4. The employee then repays the cost through monthly payments over an agreed period.

The scheme is available to a wide range of education organisations, including:

• Primary, secondary, and independent schools
• Colleges and universities
• Further education providers
• Multi-academy trusts

Financial benefits of a cycle to work scheme for schools and universities

Both employees and employers in education can save money through Cyclescheme’s cycle to work scheme. This is because salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme payments are taken before Income Tax and National Insurance deductions.

As a result, employees can save up to 47% on the cost of their cycling package while employers can save up to 13.8% on Employer NIC’s through salary sacrifice payments. It’s a cost-effective benefit for everyone. But the financial gains don’t stop there…

How education employees save money with a cycle to work scheme

Because the cycle to work salary sacrifice payments are spread over time with Cyclescheme, it helps employees pay for a new commuting bike and equipment in a manageable way. Rather than paying the full cost up front, the monthly payments don’t just reduce the overall cost but also mean employees don’t need to fork over a large sum in one go.

Cycle to work scheme savings can even be calculated and estimated for budding cycling commuters, showing them the money they can expect to earn back through the scheme. This is especially valuable when many households are feeling pressure from rising living costs.

Cycling can also help employees reduce other commuting expenses associated with fuel, parking, and other travel costs that quickly add up over time. For employees who live further from work, e-bikes are especially popular and can make cycling a realistic commuting option while still delivering savings.

How schools and universities save money with a cycle to work scheme

One of the most common misconceptions about a cycle to work scheme for schools and universities is that it creates additional costs for employers. However, this isn’t true for Cyclescheme.

Along with the NIC savings employers can earn from Cyclescheme, it’s also free to join with no setup charge, subscription fees, or other hidden costs. Employers also recover the cost of the bike package through salary sacrifice repayments, which means the benefit can support employees while delivering financial value back to the organisation.

This combination of financial benefits is why Cyclescheme is such a popular option for schools, trusts, and universities working with carefully managed budgets.

Other benefits of a cycle to work scheme for schools and universities

Cycle to work schemes are available to all kinds of employers, but they’re especially worthwhile for schools, universities, and other education institutions for a range of reasons.

1. How a cycle to work scheme supports employee wellbeing in education

A recent stress survey showed that over 70% of teachers in school and college settings do not believe they receive enough support in their roles. Despite employers’ best efforts, education remains a highly demanding field to work in, even if it is also a rewarding one.

A cycle to work scheme, however, can make a huge difference on how a teacher or lecturer starts their day. Cycling to work gives employees an opportunity to build movement into their routine before they arrive on campus or step into the classroom, and many participants report feeling more energised and less stressed after cycling to work.

In fact, 82% of Cyclescheme participants said they felt less stressed after cycle commuting. This matters because a workforce that arrives ready for the day can contribute to a more positive working environment, better engagement, and improved morale, which results in better education for students too.

2. How a cycle to work scheme strengthens recruitment and retention

Schools and universities compete for talented people. And, while salary remains important, candidates also look at the overall employee experience. This includes employee benefits for schools and universities that support wellbeing, financial health, and sustainability, which often influence decisions when comparing employers.

A cycle to work scheme for schools and universities helps demonstrate that an organisation invests in its people. It shows prospective employees that wellbeing is more than a policy statement, but something employees can actually access and use. Plus, meaningful benefits can strengthen loyalty and help with retaining education staff who are already with your organisation.

3. How a cycle to work scheme supports healthier commuting habits

Cycling is one of the simplest ways to incorporate regular physical activity into daily life for teachers, lecturers, and education professionals. It can help improve cardiovascular fitness, support healthy weight management, and encourage long-term healthy habits.

For education employers, healthier employees can contribute to reduced absence levels and improved continuity for students and learners. This is particularly relevant for schools and universities, where maintaining consistency is essential for educational outcomes.

4. How a cycle to work scheme contributes to sustainability and ESG goals in education

Environmental responsibility is now a core priority for many education organisations. Many schools and universities even publish sustainability strategies, carbon reduction plans, and environmental commitments to show their dedication to this cause.

Commuting plays an important role in achieving these goals, and a cycle to work scheme for schools and universities helps organisations encourage lower-carbon commuting choices. Every employee who swaps car journeys for cycling contributes towards:

• Reduced emissions
• Less congestion
• Improved local air quality
• More sustainable travel habits

Active commuting can also help reduce pressure on parking infrastructure for universities and colleges in urban areas. And, just as importantly, cycling visibly supports the values many education institutions promote to students and local communities.

Why education employers choose Cyclescheme for their cycle to work scheme

Cyclescheme is trusted by over 50,000 employers across the UK, including many in the education sector, and has helped more than one million people access bikes for commuting over the last 20 years.

As the UK’s number on cycle to work scheme provider, employers choose Cyclescheme for many reasons including:

• Unrivalled choice: Cyclescheme partners with more than 2,600 retailers across the UK, giving employees access to one of the widest selections available. That includes national retailers, independent bikes shops, online retailers and more.
• Easy to manage: Cyclescheme is designed to keep administration light. The platform is straightforward to use, employee applications are easy to manage and Cyclescheme handles the end-of-hire ownership process.
• Support with confidence: The Cycle to Work landscape includes salary sacrifice rules, HMRC guidance, and ownership processes. Cyclescheme has spent two decades helping employers navigate these requirements confidently.

Getting the most from a Cycle to Work scheme

The most successful education organisations actively promote their scheme throughout the year. Practical ways to increase awareness include:

• Featuring the scheme in staff induction materials
• Including it in wellbeing campaigns
• Promoting it during sustainability initiatives
• Sharing employee success stories
• Supporting Cycle to Work Day activities
• Highlighting secure cycle storage facilities

Many schools and universities also create staff cycling communities that help new riders build confidence and share commuting tips. Small actions like these can increase participation and help create a stronger culture of active travel.

A summary: is a cycle to work scheme worth it for schools and universities?

A cycle to work scheme for schools and universities supports multiple organisational goals through one employee benefit. It helps education employees save money, supports wellbeing, encourages healthier commuting habits, and contributes towards sustainability objectives while being easy to manage and generating savings for education employers too.

When a benefit delivers value for employees, employers, and the wider community, it becomes much more than a perk. It becomes part of a healthier and more sustainable future for education.

Register for Cyclescheme for free