One Partner, Many Schools: Streamlining IT Costs for Multi-Academy Trusts

or Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs), IT management is a uniquely challenging endeavour to keep under control. With some trusts overseeing more than 50 sites – potentially meaning 35,000 pupils to cater for, if not more – ensuring that all IT devices are performing optimally is an extremely difficult task, especially with a wealth of other duties to balance alongside.

Many problems originate from trusts having to bring existing schools under their umbrella. This is because adopted schools come with their own pre-existing systems, suppliers, and solutions - meaning that, when coordinating technical support, security patches, or performance updates between many different brands and vendors, costs skyrocket as efficiency plummets.

But there is an easier way.

Forward-thinking trusts are reclaiming control of their budgets by investing in a Managed IT Service (MITS) – which allows them to turn many disparate operations into a streamlined infrastructure that’s consistent across all sites. With all technical support now falling under the remit of their MITS supplier, students are able to benefit from a more stable learning environment, while MATs turn their focus to educational strategy and institutional growth.

Let’s explore these benefits in more detail.

Cost-Efficient Transition

Concerned about the potential cost of transitioning to new IT? Don’t be – by investing in a MITS solution through the Brighter Futures initiative, you gain up to £200 for every old laptop you trade in. As an example, a scheme including 200 laptops could see a potential of £40,000 put back into the school – allowing MATs to upgrade to machines with enhanced functionality, for much-reduced cost than buying outright.

Hardware-based Security

All new devices supplied through a Managed IT Service are compatible with Windows 11 – meaning that your data protection measures benefit from its effective hardware-based security systems and ongoing security patches. With the public sector having become such a prevalent target for cyberattacks in recent years, this is a benefit no MAT can afford to ignore – especially since a recent three-year study reported a 58% drop in security incidents just by adopting Windows 11 devices.

Single Point of Contact

When multiple sites are spread over a wide area, organising support can present logistical issues – especially with many brands and providers to navigate around. This process is streamlined significantly by moving to a single supplier for your entire IT infrastructure, since they will have full device histories to-hand which enable them to implement effective repairs.

Maximum Device Uptime

With responsive support in place for your IT infrastructure, staff and students alike are able to benefit from maximum device uptime – and when you factor Windows 11 productivity features into the equation, that means all the difference for your operational output. This also ensures the most immersive learning experience possible for your students, potentially strengthening the reputation and satisfaction rates for not just your institution, but your trust as a whole.

Controlled, Predictable IT Budget

As public sector organisations, MATs are beholden to take opportunities that maximise value – and the good news is, the cost efficiencies of a MITS solution don’t stop after Brighter Futures. With the costs for technical support consolidated into your regular bill, your IT budget becomes easier to predict and manage – and since you won’t need to keep capital aside for sizeable maintenance fees, you’re free to redistribute budget into other, more effective areas.

For more information on Brighter Futures and Managed IT Services for Multi-Academy Trusts, contact us by filling in the form below.