Novatia Blog

2 min read

What We’ve Learned from Delivering ICT in School Builds

With the Department for Education (DfE) preparing to launch its new £15.4 billion Construction Framework (CF25), now feels like the right moment to...

1 min read

Beyond the Checklist: How an ICT Audit Can Transform Your School’s Digital Strategy

In today’s education landscape, digital transformation in schools is not just a strategic aspiration—it’s a necessity. However, many schools and...

1 min read

ICT Support for Multi-Academy Trusts

Managing ICT across a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) is no small task. We should know! The majority of the Novatia consultancy team have performed that...

2 min read

What Contractors Should Take Away from Education Estates 2025

The Education Estates 2025 conference was a timely reminder of the pivotal role that construction plays in shaping the future of learning...

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It's Good to Talk... especially at Education Estates!

Education Estates 2025: Talk School ICT with Novatia

1 min read

This Old Dog is learning some new tricks...

Leo has been our family dog for 13 years old but circumstances have demanded he find new ways to find his way around recently as a combination of...

4 min read

How Long is a Piece of String?

Leading Through a School Rebuilding Project

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The Hidden Benefits of ICT Audits: Boosting Efficiency and Enhancing Learning Environments

In an increasingly digital educational landscape, ensuring that technology serves its purpose effectively is more important than ever. For schools...

2 min read

Every Picture Tells a Story...

I was on holiday in Ireland last week. The ‘wow’ moments as we drove along the Wild Atlantic Way in the South and West frequently demanded that we...

3 min read

Digital Strategy: Getting Started…

It’s 18 months since the DfE introduced the expectation that schools should have a minimum two-year Digital strategy in place, resting on ‘a...

1 min read

CF25 – Support for Q9 - Technology

The Department for Education (DfE) is set to release the full Invitation to Tender (ITT) for the CF25 Construction Framework on Thursday, 19th June.

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Demystifying DFE's Connect the Classroom

As an ICT director, securing robust digital infrastructure is critical for your school’s success. The Department for Education’s (DfE) Connect the...

2 min read

Introducing virtual IT director services from Novatia

Schools today rely on technology more than ever - for teaching, learning, safeguarding, administration and beyond. But many don’t have the in-house...

4 min read

Why summer break is the best time for an ICT audit for your school or MAT

While students and staff may be heading off for well-earned holidays, the quieter months of summer present the perfect opportunity to turn a critical...

8 min read

Novatia's ultimate guide to forming a robust digital strategy

With new UK digital strategy plans announced for education, now is the time to ensure your school is ready to accommodate future changes. The DfE is...

4 min read

One size doesn’t fit all: how EdTech can enable personalised learning

Whether you favour a hands-on approach or prefer to absorb information through reading or listening to explanations, learning isn’t a...

4 min read

Tackling attendance issues: the power of data-driven insights

Absenteeism is among the greatest challenges facing modern schools in the UK. But in no way is this a 'new' problem. Steve Warburton, one of our...

4 min read

Here's how EdTech can support mental health in schools

For children, school is more than just a place for academic growth; it’s an environment that can shape their mental wellbeing for years to come....

4 min read

5 ways tech can help solve the SEND crisis in UK schools

The SEND funding crisis is arguably the most pervasive issue affecting the UK education system in modern times. Recent Tes analysis of government...

6 min read

10 data-driven insights every multi-academy trust should know

As Carly Fiorina (formerly CEO of Hewlett-Packard) once said, "The goal is to turn data into information, and information into insight."...

3 min read

How Schools & MATs can Future-Proof their IT and Digital Strategy

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, schools, including Academies and Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs), face unique challenges when it comes to...

4 min read

A deep dive into Microsoft Education's 2025 tools

Since its conception, Microsoft has always used its software to educate and inform, illustrated by this fascinating catalogue of discontinued...

6 min read

From AI to cybersecurity: a year of EdTech unpacked

As the New Year kickstarted with the annual BETT conference (attended by some of our own consultants here at Novatia), world-class speakers explored...

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Steve's Scribblings - BETT remains an eclectic event…although I didn’t expect to see Hello Fresh exhibiting!

Novatia consultant Steve Warburton gives us the lowdown on BETT 2025...

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Your Must-Have EdTech Wishlist for 2025

If you’re looking for some EdTech goodies to start your 2025 off successfully, you’ve come to the right place. From the latest developments in AI to...

4 min read

Green schools and ICT: how tech can support sustainable education

You may have heard of ‘green schools’ before - but what actually are they and why do they matter? The answer is simple: the education sector is not...

5 min read

The Data Dos and Don’ts of Growing a MAT

In England, there are currently more than 1,200 multi-academy trusts, running more than 10,000 academies - with some trusts controlling over 40...

6 min read

Everything You Need to Know About ICT Audits

In the modern era, the efficiency of schools is often shaped by their digital approach. Of course, this is often felt most strongly when things go...

5 min read

Bridging the Digital Divide: Ensuring Equal Access to ICT in Education

Regardless of where you are in the country, it’s rare to find a school that doesn’t rely on technology to support the learning process. From...

6 min read

So you're getting a new school (a specialist guide to the school building process for school leaders)

Whether you’re expanding or refurbishing existing premises, or embarking on a new build project, school construction work can seem like an...

7 min read

New Term, New Tech: Top 10 Ways to Make the Most of E-Learning in Schools

A new term calls for new beginnings - and what better way to kick off the academic year than to evaluate your school’s e-learning approach? While...

5 min read

Journey of a design manager: an education-led approach to construction

When it comes to delivering DfE projects, design managers have the unique privilege of straddling two worlds: education and construction. Their role?...

5 min read

Novatia's Top Tips for Improving Data Security in Education

Data security has become a growing concern in the education sector. Schools, colleges, and universities handle vast amounts of sensitive data, from...

5 min read

What delivering 200 DfE projects has taught us about EdTech

Over the course of delivering more than 200 ICT design and delivery projects for the Department for Education (DfE), we at Novatia have gained...

4 min read

5 Cybersecurity Challenges in the Education Sector - And How to Overcome Them

As the digital world continues to develop at a rapid pace, educational institutions face an increasing number of cybersecurity threats. The education...

4 min read

Key Considerations When Choosing An ICT Consultancy for Your MAT

As a MAT leader, the importance of robust technological infrastructure across all your schools cannot be overstated. Partnering with a reliable ICT...

3 min read

Steve's Scribblings - When it comes to education & elections, history teaches us that…

It’s happened twice in my educational career. The elections of 1997 and 2010 featured governments of long-standing being overturned (18 years of...

4 min read

Exploring the Impact of Gamification in Education

In the classrooms of today, technology often takes centre stage - accompanied by new teaching practices and fundamental changes to the learning...

5 min read

2024's must-have technology to support e-learning in schools

Although a classroom in the 2020s might still be recognisable to a child of the 1920s, the world of education is changing rapidly. Gone are the days...

4 min read

Novatia's guide to cloud computing services for schools

Cloud computing has become an essential tool for modern schools. From providing a platform to store and access learning resources to streamlining...

4 min read

5 Key Ways MATs Can Improve Data Management in Schools

Many factors help determine the success of a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) - and one of the most important aspects is data management. For MATs,...

4 min read

5 Ways Improved Wi-Fi Access Can Benefit Your School

In today's digital age, technology plays a crucial role in education, and having reliable Wi-Fi access in schools has become more important than...

5 min read

Integrating ICT into school construction projects

When it comes to school construction projects, technological infrastructure is of paramount importance. From smart classrooms to data management...

4 min read

Could Artificial Intelligence be Damaging Education?

Following the recent advice issued by Ofsted that leaders must ensure the use of AI does “not have a detrimental effect” on their school’s outcomes,...

2 min read

5 ways EdTech can help to support children with special needs

With innovative tools and personalised learning approaches, EdTech offers various opportunities to support children with special needs and provide...

2 min read

Steve's Scribblings - Guilty Pleasures = Waterloo Road

One of the top streaming shows during the COVID lockdowns was Waterloo Road (cue incredulity!). The series had first begun airing in 2006 but was...

3 min read

Top 5 benefits of Mobile Device Management for schools

As part of a now digitally-driven education sector, mobile devices are integral tools for facilitating learning, collaboration, and innovation in...

3 min read

Student data privacy problems and challenges to be aware of in 2024

While the shift to technology-reliance for managing student data has brought convenience and efficiency, it also raises concerns about student data...

3 min read

Blueprint for Success: Choosing the right ICT construction partner

Integrating technology effectively within the physical learning space is always a complex challenge. From choosing the right tech and integrating it...

5 min read

Minimising IT procurement risks for Multi-Academy Trusts

Effective procurement of IT resources can be a highly important aspect of the successful operation and growth of multi-academy trusts. Potential...

3 min read

How can schools be more sustainable using EdTech?

Environmental consciousness is no longer seen as a choice by many, but a necessity, and the education sector is playing a greater role than ever...

3 min read

12 alternative apps and digital tools for teachers in 2024

The EdTech market has grown rapidly over recent years and shows no sign of slowing down. In fact, quite the opposite. Last year’s surge in generative...

5 min read

Data management in large MATs: Challenges, Best Practices & Advice

For Multi-Academy Trusts, managing data efficiently is no mean feat and the challenges involved are amplified as MATs expand. The UK has over 1000...

4 min read

Future of EdTech: Trends to look out for in 2024

With each passing year, the education sector continues to introduce new ideas and solutions to improve existing processes or act in response to...

2 min read

DfE Holiday Reading: Technology in Schools Survey 2022 – 23 (TISS)

The DfE has kindly given school leaders something to read over the Christmas break and although it’s over 140 pages long, at least it’s not a repeat...

3 min read

Steve's Scribblings - In praise of project managers…

A couple of weeks on the Project Management frontline has forced me to reflect on Project Managers I’ve worked closely with in the past… and I’ve...

4 min read

5 must-read resources for better understanding data security in schools

Data security is a major topic for educational institutions such as schools, academies and MATs. With the increasing use of technology in classrooms...

5 min read

Exploring the advantages of 1:1 device programmes in schools

In an age where digital access is as important to a child’s learning as access to a pencil, then it’s perhaps little wonder that there have emerged a...

1 min read

Novatia appointed to the TePAS 2 framework

Novatia has been appointed to the Technology Products & Associated Services 2 framework - cementing our position as a trusted supplier to the...

4 min read

How Connect The Classroom supports more immersive and dynamic learning

The Connect The Classroom programme, funded and administered by the DfE, has broken down the first barrier to facilitating modern EdTech solutions...

4 min read

Machine Learning: How is AI being used in UK schools?

Artificial intelligence is a topic that's dominating most industries and continues to generate questions and curiosity for people both professionally...

3 min read

Addressing the teacher recruitment crisis using EdTech

Modern teachers are expected to deliver more varied and complex curriculums, provide students with additional care and support, and manage their work...

3 min read

Deal or no deal: How to get the right IT buying advice for your school

Choosing the most suitable IT equipment and resources can be a headache for schools looking to upgrade their tech whilst minimising costs and...

4 min read

How ineffective IT can impact teacher mental health and wellbeing

Across all age groups, teachers take on a role that can be incredibly rewarding but also highly demanding. There is pressure that stems from various...

3 min read

10 signs your school ICT strategy may need revisiting

A well-designed school ICT strategy helps to ensure that technology is being used effectively to enhance the learning and teaching experience and...

3 min read

3 major cyber security concerns in e-learning education

Digital platforms are increasingly being used to deliver learning resources to students across all levels of education. Whether it be 'emergency'...

3 min read

Exploring data strategies and challenges for multi-academy trusts

One of the key areas involved in academy management is data. For any organisation, in any sector, data underpins almost all aspects of their...

2 min read

Steve's Scribblings - How did we get here… and where do we go now?

The vast majority of schools that I’ve worked in had elements of their buildings built in the RAAC-era. It’s no surprise that buildings whose...

3 min read

3 key benefits of end-to-end procurement outsourcing

Schools and MATs have a plethora of ICT systems and devices that are required to not only function together harmoniously, but also effectively meet...

5 min read

Why staff training is vital for combatting cyber security attacks on schools

So we find ourselves near the beginning of another academic year; the summer holiday went quicker than the last and the school uniform aisle at Tesco...

4 min read

ICT strategy for schools: 5 essential tips you may have forgotten

For UK schools and MATs, technology has become an integral part of life, allowing them to track attendance, monitor performance, communicate between...

3 min read

What is the DfE Connect The Classroom programme and how can you benefit?

Access to reliable and high-speed internet has become crucial for educational institutions that want to fully embrace the benefits of technology for...

2 min read

Steve's Scribblings - Chocks Away!

It’s 1993, school lunchtime and four future Headteachers were engaged with in-depth consideration of a major IT problem we were all facing… how to...

2 min read

Maximising Efficiency and Reducing Costs: Optimising Software in your MAT or School

‘There’s an app for that’ was an advertising campaign which supported the roll-out of the iPhone 3 in 2009. More importantly, a classic Sesame Street...

3 min read

MIS Procurement - navigating the process

Management Information Systems (MIS) are a hot topic right now. Last year, we had ESS SIMS changing their contracts from annual to three years and...

4 min read

Cyber Security - is your school at risk?

It's Not a Game...

4 min read

Don't run an 'ICT change' project in the dark

New Year, New Resolution...“I’m going to make sure thatthisyear’s ICT Change project goes well”, but how? You might have made that resolution before...

1 min read

Jon Jones joins Novatia

We are pleased to announce that we have welcomed Jon Jones to Novatia as of 3rd January 2023. Jon is taking up the role of Technical Consultant and...

4 min read

Blog 2: Piloting EdTech a key step for successful implementation

Here is blog two in our series around the DfE report on Implementation of education technology in schools. The first blog, ‘The value of internal...

3 min read

The value of internal alignment for successful EdTech in MATs

Exploring how new Education Technology (EdTech) is successfully implemented and embedded in schools and colleges.

3 min read

Four ways to reduce your ICT costs

We are all experiencing significant increases in costs in our daily lives, and Multi Academy Trusts and their schools are no exception. Inflation is...

1 min read

Steve Warburton joins Novatia

We are pleased to announce that we are welcoming Steve Warburton back to the Novatia team on 26th September. Steve is taking up the role of Senior...

2 min read

Out with ISDN, in with VoIP

BT are retiring their ISDN services, don’t be left short. Now is the time to consider the alternatives for your MAT.

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ICT Audit & Strategy - how it can improve your MATs performance

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Making it even easier to access our ICT expertise

As advisors to UK Education, we’ve strategically steered hundreds of school leaders over the years to be clear on what ICT they need and achieve...

3 min read

ICT procurement – it’s more than just shopping for kit!

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How MATs make the most of their Procurement process

MATs are achieving maximum benefits from running their procurement process effectively.

5 min read

DfE Construction Framework 2021: The importance of having an ICT consultant - A programme manager’s view

The Department for Education’s (DfE)new £7bn Construction Framework haspaved the way for the 26 selected contractors to start work on the...

3 min read

Strategic benefits of carrying out a Data Audit and Review

Many Multi Academy Trusts (MATs) and schools have been using data more and more over the past few years and this has helped with key strategic...

3 min read

Achieving ICT excellence for schools through partnerships with Contractors

You are the contractor for a new school build and naturally you want it to be well planned, go smoothly and be ready for handover, on time and on...

1 min read

Novatia: a chosen ICT Consultancy provider through the CPC Framework

Knowing and understanding what ICT services you need to procure for your MAT isn’t always an easy process; it can be time consuming and require...

3 min read

Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR): Getting to grips with energy and carbon reporting

With pressures on the UK to meet its climate change targets, the government launched Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) so all ‘large’ UK...

3 min read

Effective ICT Procurement - a strategic approach to achieve efficiencies

Is your organisation set up to run an effective ICT Procurement process? You’ve identified a need for new technology or that rationalising the...

3 min read

Implementing ICT Projects: How to enable successful ICT project implementation

ICT in schools nowadays is vital. There are many things, both pastoral and academic teaching, that would not be able to be done without ICT to...

3 min read

ICT Audits & Reviews - Now: the right time for an ICT appraisal

The current pandemic has meant that most MATs and schools have had to very quickly implement ICT Projects. We’ve been discussing with some of our...

3 min read

How to correctly set your MAT's ICT Budget and avoid overspend

Despite all the uncertainty facing schools right now, we must try to remain positive and keep an eye on the future and our plans beyond COVID-19.

3 min read

Buying School ICT - how to achieve the best cost savings

As advisors to UK Education, we have assisted hundreds of school leaders over the years to achieve efficiencies, as well as best value for money, by...

3 min read

An ICT Vision for MATs and Schools

As discussed in a previous blog post, the Covid-19 pandemic meant that many MATs and schools had to implement ICT fixes at speed. Those who had a...

2 min read

ICT Procurement - a strategic approach to achieve efficiencies

You’ve carried out a strategic ICT Audit and Review. It’s identified a need for new technology, or you’ve discovered how rationalising the...

3 min read

Strategic ICT Audits & Reviews - Now: the right time for an ICT appraisal

The current pandemic meant that most MATs and schools had to very quickly implement ICT Projects. We’ve been discussing with some of our clients,...

4 min read

ICT Projects: Implementing an ICT project during and beyond a crisis – an IT Directors advice

The last few months have been testing for many MAT and School ICT Directors. They’ve had to implement ICT initiatives at a moment’s notice without...

4 min read

Data Management: Five steps to overcome five key data challenges

Multi Academy Trust (MAT) leaders should be able to easily and quickly pull together and analyse key data across their Trust and Schools. Here we...

2 min read

Achieving ICT excellence for schools through partnerships with Construction Contractors

No matter what your role and involvement is in a new school build, you want to know that the build is well planned, goes smoothly and is ready for...

3 min read

Working from home for the first time?

COVID-19 is causing disruption. More and more people are being advised to work from home where possible and you may be wondering how you can make it...

3 min read

Data: how to make it work for your MAT – the Data Audit

Multi Academy Trusts (MATs) and schools have a plethora of data, so why aren’t they all able to use it effectively? And how can they turn this around?

2 min read

How to set your MAT's ICT Budget

The subject of ICT Budgets comes up frequently with our clients. Setting the ICT spend never seems to be straight-forward. Costly mistakes can be...

2 min read

Starting to think about next year's ICT Budget? Read this first ...

Planning and managing School ICT budgets can be particularly challenging. Technology is advancing at a lightening pace and is a major part of every...

5 min read

Implementing ICT Strategic Plans in MATs - An IT Director's View

You've had your ICT Audit and Review, you've created your ICT Strategic Plan - now you need to implement it across your multi-academy trust (MAT)....

2 min read

National Data Benchmarking for Schools & MATs - what you need to know

The Department for Education (DfE) has kicked off its publication of 2019 performance tables this autumn (17 October 2019) with provisional...

2 min read

ICT Audits & Reviews in Schools and Trusts - why bother?

We meet many school and MAT leaders who want to improve their ICT, make it more effective, and ensure it really does help them achieve their...

1 min read

School Exam Results: THREE ways to streamline your data

Results Day is an important time, for students and schools alike. On one hand, students will be anxious to learn if they have obtained the grades...

1 min read

How to choose the right ICT partner for your school build project - A Novatia Note

If you’re constructing a new educational building with a robust ICT infrastructure, you will most probably require the support of an experienced ICT...

3 min read

Should we move our ICT to be Trust-wide?

Moving from separate ICT systems, infrastructure and suppliers to a Trust-wide approach, and procuring on that basis, can be daunting.

2 min read

Data Protection Compliance – is your Academy Trust ready for an ICO audit?

One year on from the implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has begun to...

1 min read

Data in MATs and Academies: Five steps to drive self-evaluation and improvement

Most multi-academy trusts (MATs) and academies are busy collecting, saving and crunching enormous amounts of data. But all too often this data is...

1 min read

How to create the most effective ICT Vision for your School

Information & Communications Technology (ICT) will never replace a good teacher. However, used correctly, it can radically transform our schools....

1 min read

Education Technology: THREE common pitfalls

All too often we see Schools & Trusts acquiring their ICT piecemeal, with no real thought about any forward planning. As industry experts, we know...

1 min read

6-Step Guide to ICT Planning for Schools

Want to maximise your school tech budget but don’t know where to start?

1 min read

Effective Data Use in Schools and Trusts

Our clients have no time to spare. They want to spend their time analysing and using their school data to improve student outcomes; not waste hours,...

2 min read

Schools & Trusts: rationalise your ICT and save money

In this time of shrinking school budgets, leaders are looking at where they can make cost savings without compromising education standards. ICT is an...

3 min read

UK Education - how to plan your Trust and Schools' ICT

With over 15 years' experience helping UK trusts and schools to plan their ICT, we interviewed our Managing Director and Senior Consultant, Richard...

2 min read

Schools & MATs: a New Year's guide to setting ICT budgets

The New Year is upon us. Senior leaders at schools and multi-academy trusts (MATs) are already looking ahead, setting their budgets for the next...

2 min read

Hammond's £400m of "little extras": How to make the best ICT choices for your School

Let’s face it. The Chancellor's budget-pledge offering schools a capital "bonus" to buy what he called "little extras" has left the Education sector...

2 min read

A fully immersive education – how can your School's ICT support this?

Immersive learning has always been important – and more and more technology is able to support this by engaging learners in a new interactive,...

3 min read

School technology - is it helping or hindering your pupils' learning?

Technology can be an incredible enabler. Pupils want to be able to access the curriculum easily and quickly. They want to create and produce their...

2 min read

How to get your School ready for a tech-led 'classroom revolution'

Another school year is upon us. Once more, the use of information and communications technology (ICT) is high up there on the agenda. The message is...

3 min read

How Best to use School Data - A Teacher's View

Jan Harrison is a Novatia Consultant, with a background in teaching. She has recently been focusing on data and how to make it easier for schools to...

2 min read

Cyber security: how can your School protect itself from the latest threats?

We all know that they do happen and we all hope it won’t happen to us, but cyber threats are real. It is also a fact that schools are being targeted.

2 min read

Buying ICT for your School or Trust? Follow our 6-step guide to a successful ICT procurement process

As ICT advisors to UK Education, we have assisted hundreds of school leaders over the years to achieve efficiencies, as well as best value for money,...

3 min read

How successful MATs use ICT strategically to support and drive growth

‘Great leadership’ and ‘coherence of vision’ are vital if you want to run an effective and sustainable multi-academy trust (MAT). These are the key...

1 min read

The first step to more effective ICT in Schools - see the big picture 

You’d be surprised just how many schools and academies have cupboards full of technology, left neglected or underused, gathering dust. Unfortunately,...

1 min read

Three easy steps to gain control of your MAT and School data

All the data that you collect and hold should be helping you to improve the educational experience and outcomes of your pupils. However, as we all...

1 min read

The GDPR in Schools - quick resources 

The governance of your school data needs to be in order in just over three months.

1 min read

GDPR compliance in Schools: need help fast?

Tick tock, tick tock … the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is creeping nearer. As politicians continue to thrash out the UK’s future...

1 min read

Come visit us at Bett 2018

We hope you can join Novatia from 24-27 January 2018 at ExCel London for Bett 2018 – Europe’s leading showcase for technology in Education.

1 min read

ICT Vision & Strategy for Schools and MATs – A Novatia Note

Planning a clear and decisive ICT vision can bring rich rewards for Schools and MATs. Not just in cost savings but in significantly improving student...

1 min read

Who can help you take control of ICT in your School or Trust?

Do you have a clear vision for your School or Trust’s ICT but don’t seem to be able to turn it into a reality? Need help to drive your ideas forward?

1 min read

Novatia experts at The Academies Show Birmingham 2017

Got a tricky ICT issue? Come pick our brains on Stand D22 ...

2 min read

Our top takeaways from the recent Novatia Focus Event, 'The GDPR for Schools'.

The Experts: Alex Dittel, a data privacy and commercial lawyer at Bristows LLP, London. Andrew Williams, Consultant at South West Grid for Learning...

1 min read

ICT problems? Don't blame the ICT people...

There’s no doubt, as an Education leader, ICT causes you one of the biggest headaches. But have you ever thought about your role and how you can...

1 min read

Education leaders - are you using your data strategically? If not, why not?

In our role as ICT advisors to the UK Education market, we have worked with hundreds of trusts, schools and academies. One thing we can say with...

1 min read

Cyber threats: how can schools protect themselves?

Cyber threats come in many different forms. At the moment, ‘ransomware’ attacks have been getting a lot of press coverage; some of us might even have...

1 min read

Five experts. One topic: GDPR. Join us 10th October

The GDPR. We all know it’s coming Our conversations with Trusts and Schools reveal one disturbing thing: school leaders are not being offered the...

2 min read

Schools and GDPR - the crucial first step, your data audit

Schools and GDPR – have you taken the first crucial step? If you haven’t done so already, now is definitely the time to carry out a data audit. Any...

2 min read

How to choose the best ICT partner for your School or Trust

Choosing an ICT partner for your school or trust? Then read this first. We work with many leaders in schools and trusts who have a clear vision for...

2 min read

Is your school getting ready for GDPR?

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is coming. We all need to know about it and make sure we’re compliant with it. This is the first in a...

1 min read

School Exam Results: making the most of the data

We know the August results are etched in your mind. All schools will want to share the great news of your success and take an in depth look at the...

1 min read

Designing and constructing a new educational building?

Follow our seven point checklist to make sure you choose the right ICT partner … In today’s evolving digital world, how do you ensure that a new...

1 min read

Data, data, everywhere … three common pitfalls for MATs. How can you spot them?

We’ve worked with a lot of schools over many years and can see clearly when MATs are heading to a point where their data is getting out of control....

2 min read

Time to start thinking strategically about your school’s ICT

Many schools and MATs have been getting by, devising ICT plans and approaches as they go along, adding different elements as they are needed. Often,...

1 min read

Are you drowning in School data? If so, here's how to gain control...

Data. In theory, all the data that you collect and hold should be helping you to improve the educational experience and outcomes of your pupils....

1 min read

Protecting your schools and trusts from cyber-attacks

As we all know, a massive cyber-attack has disrupted services across the world. Over 72 hours since the first attack became public, we should have...

1 min read

Novatia shortlisted for BETT 2017 Education Technology Award

Novatia has been shortlisted for a Bett 2017 industry award for Questa, the company’s new premier analytics service for multi-academy trusts (MATs)...

1 min read

The Crisis in Teacher Supply - are MATs making the most of their resources?

TES highlighted once more this week (14 June 2016) the mounting concern amongst School and Trust leaders surrounding teacher shortages, especially in...

2 min read

The Most Effective Way to Build a Premier League Multi-Academy Trust (MAT)

What a week this has been for the Education sector! Firstly George Osborne identifies Education as a key area of priority in his 2016 Budget,...

2 min read

Why successful MATs make ICT a priority from the Start

ICT may not be the first thing on your mind when you set about creating a multi-academy trust (MAT). Understandably, other things may seem more...

2 min read

ICT for Multi-Academy Trusts

Government policy has placed the improvement and growth of the schooling system in England into the hands of Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) – others...

Data - Are we using data to the full?

Schools can collect an inordinate amount of data about their students (and staff). But is this data being used to improve learning outcomes or just...