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
Support QR codes and barcodes by default, with options for MIFARE cards and biometrics such as fingerprint or facial recognition where required.
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
Manage free school meals (FSM), universal infant free school meals (UIFSM), allowances and subsidy 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.
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.
