Byte for schools
Cashless catering software for schools
Byte gives schools a modern, cloud-based way to manage daily catering - from EPOS and pre-ordering through to payments, allergen controls and reporting. It is designed for real school environments where service needs to stay fast, simple and reliable.
Features for schools
A focused selection of Byte features that are especially relevant for schools - not an exhaustive list of everything Byte can do.
Pre-ordering via app
iOS and Android apps published in the app stores give parents and students an optimized ordering experience. Parents can top up balances and link cards, while students can use the app as a digital ID and ordering tool.
Classroom pre-ordering
Primary schools can run pre-ordering in class using an interactive whiteboard flow where pupils browse meals with photos and basic nutrition information, place orders, and then pay on collection in the canteen.
EPOS built for busy service
Fast, reliable tills across web, Windows and iOS - designed to keep queues moving during peak service with quick identification and payments.
Flexible identification
Identify pupils at the till using QR codes, barcodes, PIN pads, MIFARE cards or biometrics such as fingerprint or facial recognition. Mix methods by site, including PIN in primary settings where that suits the way meals are served.
Card printing & encoding
Print and encode catering ID cards alongside Byte, including CR-80 plastic and more eco-friendly stock, colour printing, MIFARE encoding, snap-off fobs, holders and lanyards.
Online & in-person payments
Support online payments and in-person transactions, with integrations for established school payment providers and Stripe Connect where required.
Meal entitlements, subsidies & bursaries
Manage free school meals (FSM), universal infant free school meals (UIFSM), allowances, subsidy and bursary rules, including schemes such as DEIS, while keeping service fast and discreet.
Allergen control & compliance
Help manage allergen controls and Natasha's Law compliance by blocking sales where allergens match, or flagging warnings when staff need to check.
Cash payments and reporting
Accept cash at the till, with cash drawer and receipt printer support built into the service workflow. Cash transaction reporting helps your team account for takings and manage end-of-service checks.
Direct card payments
Let customers pay by card at the till without topping up a catering account first, or top up on the till if they prefer. Print a receipt from the receipt printer when one is needed.
Product barcode scanning
Scan product barcodes to add items to a sale quickly. Reduce manual item selection and help keep service moving at busy counters and grab-and-go outlets.
Multi-campus catering
Let students use catering facilities across your connected campuses. Byte supports cross-campus student recognition, so catering access can follow students wherever their day takes them.
Customer-facing screen content
Show videos and other content on the customer-facing till screen. Use the space to share promotions, catering messages and information while customers are being served.
Basic stock management
Keep track of stock within Byte, giving catering teams clearer visibility of what is available. Practical stock management tools support everyday oversight alongside your catering operation.
Live operational dashboard
See current catering activity in a live dashboard. Give your team an up-to-date view of the operation to support decisions during the day.
Reporting & insights
Dashboards, AI-assisted exploration and exports - giving leaders clear visibility of uptake, spend and performance across sites.
Integrations via Fusion
Connect core MIS data through Fusion, including pupils, staff, groups, photos, attendance, allergens and entitlements, alongside other trusted data sources that support ordering, EPOS and reporting. Where required, write-back can also be supported.
Cloud-native with offline resilience
A modern SaaS platform with offline-ready EPOS, cached menus, users, balances and allergen data, helping service continue even when connectivity is poor.
FAQ
Does Byte work when the internet is slow or down?
Byte is designed for real school environments. Native apps and clients support offline-capable workflows where it matters for service, so you can keep operating through patchy connectivity and sync when you’re back online.
Can Byte connect to our MIS/SIS?
Yes. Via Fusion, Byte can integrate with your MIS/SIS and bring in key data such as pupil details, FSM allocation, allergens, photos, attendance, consent, and other core fields. Where required, write-back can also be supported.
Can Byte connect to our payment provider?
Yes. Through our integration with Pebble, Byte connects to a wide range of school payment and finance systems, including platforms like ParentPay, SchoolMoney, ParentMail, PS Financials, Xero, and Sage. This gives you flexible options to work with your existing setup without needing to change providers.
How does pricing work?
Pricing depends on scale (sites, terminals, options such as pre-ordering and MIS). The ballpark tool on this page gives an indicative figure; our team will confirm scope, licensing, and any setup work on a formal quote.
How do we get help or training?
North27 provides support for Byte customers. You can also reach the wider help desk for product questions. For larger rollouts we can discuss training and go-live planning with your team.
Can parents and students order and pay in one app?
Byte supports parent and student apps for ordering, balances, and top-ups where your school enables them, alongside staff-led and classroom models-flexible to how you run catering.
