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.

Posted by Richard Sambrook Smith - 19 June 2025

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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 Classroom initiative provides a valuable opportunity to enhance your school’s ICT capabilities. This strategic programme focuses on connecting classrooms with high-speed internet to support modern learning.

Posted by Richard Sambrook Smith - 19 June 2025

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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 capacity to manage it strategically, and that’s where a virtual IT Director comes into play.

From providing strategic guidance to ensuring safeguarding and security, find out more about the benefits of a virtual...

Posted by Richard Sambrook Smith - 23 May 2025

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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 eye toward your school or MAT’s digital approach.

Whether you’re struggling to recall the last time you reviewed cybersecurity measures and data protection policies or you’re concerned about your educational...

Posted by Richard Sambrook Smith - 16 May 2025

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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 consulting on a strategy for all schools to meet a set of core digital standards by 2030, so it’s important your school is on track to achieve this.

The core standards outlined in the consultation are:

  • ...

Posted by Richard Sambrook Smith - 29 April 2025

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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 one-size-fits-all process. Each of us absorbs and processes information in unique ways.

Through AI-enabled technology that caters to students’ individual abilities and chosen learning methodology, children are increasingly...

Posted by Richard Sambrook Smith - 17 April 2025

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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 consultants, was Headteacher of a school in an 'Excellence in Cities' cluster in 2004 where attendance was a key focus.

The latest figures from the Department for Education suggest school absence is at a record...

Posted by Richard Sambrook Smith - 31 March 2025

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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.

Recent statistics highlight a growing mental health crisis within the UK education sector:

Posted by Richard Sambrook Smith - 25 March 2025

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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 data found 1,673,205 pupils in English schools have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) - almost a fifth of the school population, and a 31.2 per cent increase since 2016. Additionally, the number...

Posted by Richard Sambrook Smith - 18 March 2025

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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." 

Decision-making plays a crucial role in shaping school performance and MAT growth, and this can’t be done without knowing all the important information first.

On a micro level, leveraging the power of data allows...

Posted by Richard Sambrook Smith - 28 February 2025

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