Open source software supplier Sirius Corporation has joined an officially-sanctioned list of education IT providers.

Becta, the agency responsible for IT in schools, chose 12 suppliers after inviting both proprietary and open source groups to tender for its new framework agreement in May.

Sirius welcomed the official recognition that open source can compete on a level playing field, and said that it demonstrates what it can offer the education sector, according to John Spencer, head of education at Sirius.

"We are pleased to have shown that open source software is ready for educational institutions and that Sirius has the resources to support its increasing use. Students, schools and the taxpayer can now use open source software with the assurance of an EU-backed scheme."

Local authorities and schools can use the Becta framework to buy ICT products and services above the EU procurement threshold value of £139,893 from approved suppliers providing levels of service aligned with educational needs.