Paying your school by bank transfer

This guide shows you how to pay your school by bank transfer through esenda, step by step. If your bank lets you, Instant Bank Payment/ Open Banking is the quickest option. Bank transfer is there for larger payments, or when instant payment isn’t available.

Step 1: Open the payment link on your invoice

On your invoice, you’ll see a payment link. Click it to go to esenda, your school’s secure payment provider.

Step 2: Enter your details

Enter your email address, followed by information about the pupil and invoice.

Step 3: Select Bank Transfer

If you can’t pay by instant payment (some banks don’t allow it for larger amounts), choose Bank transfer.

Step 4: Add the bill payer’s details

Complete the fields with the bill payer’s details.

Step 5: Make the transfer in your banking app

The next screen shows the details you’ll need: the amount, the account details and your payment reference.

Open your banking app and make a transfer in the usual way, copying the details across from the esenda screen. Make sure you use the exact reference shown, so your payment can be matched to the right pupil.

Step 6: Confirm your payment in esenda

Once you’ve made the transfer, go back to esenda and select Payment Made. Your payment will show as “processing” until the funds arrive.

Bank transfers can take a few days to complete. You’ll receive an email confirmation once your school has received the funds.

Frequently asked questions

Why can’t I use Instant Bank Payment/ Open Banking?

Instant Bank Payment is the quickest way to pay from your account, but some banks limit how much you can send instantly. If your payment is above their limit, choose Bank transfer instead.

Do I still need to go into my banking app?

Yes. Tapping “Payment Made” doesn’t send the money. You need to make the transfer in your banking app first.

Why are the bank details different from my school’s?

esenda uses a secure account to receive your payment, then passes it safely to your school. This means your school no longer needs to publish its own bank details on invoices, which helps protect families and schools from fraud.

My bank has asked extra questions or flagged the payment. What should I do?

This is normal for payments to accounts your bank hasn’t seen before. Tell your bank it’s a payment for school fees to a registered business, and ask them to run a Confirmation of Payee check. You can also pay by card or instant bank payment, if your school offers them.

Will the school know I’ve paid?

Yes. When you use the bank details and reference shown in your payment link, your payment is matched to your account automatically. If you pay into any other account, or without the reference, your school may not be able to match it, which can cause delays.

Is this secure?

Yes. Paying through esenda’s bank details protects your payment and helps your school reconcile everything quickly and accurately.

Still need help? Email [email protected] with your payment reference.