Effective procurement of IT resources can be a highly important aspect of the successful operation and growth of multi-academy trusts. Potential efficiencies are one of the perceived benefits of Multi-Academy Trusts. IT offers a major opportunity for this. As educators and senior leaders responsible for this, choosing the right IT services, equipment, and...

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 before in addressing it. Schools, colleges, MATs and universities have a unique opportunity to ingrain eco-friendly practices from a young age, while also operating in a more sustainable manner themselves. Reducing...

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 AI and chatbots took the world by storm, heavily impacting all tech-related industries and sectors. EdTech is no exception, with the capabilities of AI being integrated into countless digital platforms and...

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 active MATs, predominantly consisting of 2-5 schools, and we’re seeing signs of MAT expansion over recent years as the average number of schools per MAT has continued to increase. In fact, only in 2022 the...

With each passing year, the education sector continues to introduce new ideas and solutions to improve existing processes or act in response to unforeseen challenges that inevitably emerge. With technology being the major driving force behind educational change, it’s becoming increasingly important to look ahead at what could be on the horizon. Only last...

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 of recent ‘just-before-the holidays’ releases...1000+ responses have been collated into the Technology in Schools Survey 2022 – 23 (TISS). School leaders, teachers and IT leads’ opinions have all combined to...

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 become even more appreciative of their skills and achievements. I’m going to mention a few names and projects – stretching back a couple of decades (!) as I look at some of the ‘skill-set’ I think is needed to be...

Data security is a major topic for educational institutions such as schools, academies and MATs. With the increasing use of technology in classrooms and the storage of sensitive student information, schools must prioritise data security to protect their students and staff from potential threats. Schools store a vast amount of sensitive information,...

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 number of different device ownership models over the years. From central government-funded laptop programmes like Computers for Pupils and Becta Home Access, through to smartphone BYOD programmes and trolleys...

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