How schools can build responsible procurement into their policies
Procurement in schools and trusts is rarely just about buying what is needed at the lowest acceptable price. School and trust teams are already balancing cost, compliance, reliability, support, security and long-term value. Responsible procurement means looking at the full impact of a purchase, not just the initial price. It gives schools a more consistent […]
The School ICT Summer Readiness Guide
Every September, schools rely on technology to support teaching, learning, safeguarding and day-to-day operations from the moment staff and pupils return. The summer break provides a valuable opportunity to prepare systems, refresh devices, strengthen cybersecurity and resolve known issues before they become classroom disruptions. With careful planning, schools can use this quieter period to build […]
Preparing devices for new students in September
By early July, schools and trusts are already managing the overlap between two academic years. The summer term is still underway, but September is already taking shape, and schools are trying to protect enough summer capacity for what needs to happen before students return. That makes July a useful point to check whether device readiness […]
Avoiding IT failures in September
September has a habit of exposing every weakness in a school’s ICT setup at exactly the wrong time. A system that seemed manageable at other points in the year can suddenly become a barrier to learning when hundreds or thousands of users return at once, new pupils need accounts, staff need access to systems, devices […]
The school ICT checklist before the summer holidays
By mid-May, the summer break may still feel some way off, but for school ICT teams, this is probably the best time for preparation to begin. The final half-term is always busy, and once end-of-year activity starts to build, ICT projects can quickly be pushed down the list. Starting now gives schools the breathing room […]
The Landline Switch-Off for Schools
The UK’s landline switch-off means more than replacing the main phone system. As analogue PSTN and ISDN services are phased out, schools and trusts need to understand where older copper lines are still in use across the site. In many cases, these lines may support alarms, lift phones, intercoms, gates, door entry systems or other […]
Print Buying Guide for Schools
Printing continues to play an important role across schools and Multi-Academy Trusts, supporting everything from classroom resources and exam materials to safeguarding documentation and day-to-day administration. Choosing the right print setup can help improve reliability, manage costs and reduce staff workload. This guide helps schools plan and procure printers, multifunction devices and managed print services […]
Desktop and Monitor Buying Guide for Schools
Choosing the right desktops and monitors for a school or Multi-Academy Trust requires balancing performance, reliability and long-term value. Different roles across a school, from administration and MIS systems to classrooms and specialist teaching spaces, require different levels of computing power and screen specifications. This guide outlines the key decisions schools should consider when planning […]
Laptop, Chromebooks and tablet buying guide for schools
Choosing the right devices for a school or Multi-Academy Trust starts with understanding how they will be used in teaching and learning. Staff, pupils and different year groups often need different types of devices, and decisions should reflect curriculum requirements, software platforms and how devices will be used across the school day. This guide outlines […]
AV Screen Buying Guide for Schools
AV screens are increasingly replacing projectors and whiteboards in schools, helping improve visibility, support interactive teaching and modernise learning environments. But choosing the right setup can vary depending on the space, teaching needs and technical requirements. This guide provides a practical overview to help schools and Multi-Academy Trusts plan, buy and install AV screens with […]