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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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 maintaining and advancing their ICT infrastructure. As headteachers and members of school senior leadership teams, you are tasked with not only addressing current needs but also planning for future...

Posted by Richard Sambrook Smith - 24 February 2025

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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 Microsoft Education software circa 1990s.

But what does that look like for users of today?

As announced at BETT last month, Microsoft Education has a tonne of exciting updates available this year, from AI-enabled...

Posted by Richard Sambrook Smith - 24 February 2025

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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 the topics that have been shaping the past year of EdTech and beyond.

Posted by Richard Sambrook Smith - 31 January 2025

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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...

Posted by Richard Sambrook Smith - 28 January 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 exciting new AR technology, here are some essential additions you should be adding to your EdTech wishlist for the New Year…

Posted by Richard Sambrook Smith - 09 January 2025

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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 just an apparatus to teach the next generation about the importance of sustainability - it’s also a driving force for implementing these necessary changes itself.

Sustainability was a key theme at the October...

Posted by Richard Sambrook Smith - 18 December 2024

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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 schools.

There are many reasons why growing your MAT could be a good idea - improved student outcomes, cost effectiveness and increased development opportunities to name a few.

But what is the one key to growing a...

Posted by Richard Sambrook Smith - 28 November 2024

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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 wrong. But it shouldn’t require connectivity issues and cyber attacks for schools to take their ICT strategies seriously. 

An ICT audit can help schools and MATs understand, evaluate and improve their digital...

Posted by Richard Sambrook Smith - 12 November 2024

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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 personalised teaching to simplifying administrative tasks, the digital revolution has transformed the education sector in a myriad of ways. However, alongside this potential comes disparity. While some schools flourish...

Posted by Richard Sambrook Smith - 24 October 2024

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