
Thousands of schools are currently considering their MIS options because their current contract runs out in March 2025. That might seem like a long time away, but in procurement terms it’s not. So, what are the top 5 considerations that Head Teachers, School Business Managers, and other key stakeholders need to take into account when thinking about their options?
Ease of Use: The MIS should be user-friendly for all staff members, including teachers, administrative staff, and IT personnel. A system that is intuitive and easy to navigate will reduce training time and increase adoption rates among staff. Look for features like drag-and-drop functionality and customisable dashboards that can cater to different user needs. Training and Support: Ensure that the vendor provides comprehensive training and ongoing support. This includes initial training sessions, user manuals, and access to a helpdesk. Support should be available during your operational hours and through multiple channels such as phone, email, and live chat.
Compatibility with Existing Systems: The new MIS should seamlessly integrate with your existing software systems, such as your email platform, payment systems, HR, and other educational tools. This ensures that data flows smoothly between systems, reducing the need for manual data entry and minimising errors and problems. Open APIs: Check if the MIS offers open APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) that allow for custom integrations. This flexibility can be crucial for tailoring the system to your specific needs and ensuring it can adapt as your requirements evolve.
Data Protection: Given the sensitive nature of student and staff data, the MIS must have robust security measures in place. This includes encryption, secure user authentication, and regular security updates to protect against data breaches and cyber threats. Compliance with Regulations: The system should comply with relevant data protection regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the UK. Ensure that the vendor can provide evidence of compliance and has policies in place for data handling and storage.
Growth Potential: The MIS should be scalable to accommodate the growth of your school or Multi-Academy Trust. This includes the ability to handle an increasing number of users, more extensive data storage, and additional functionalities as your needs expand. Vendor Roadmap: Investigate the vendor’s development roadmap to ensure they are committed to ongoing improvements and updates. This will help ensure that the system remains current with technological advancements and educational trends.
Total Cost of Ownership: Consider the total cost of ownership, which includes not just the initial purchase price but also implementation costs, training, ongoing support, and any additional fees for updates or extra features. Ensure that the system provides good value for money and fits within your budget constraints. Return on Investment: Evaluate the potential return on investment (ROI) by considering how the MIS can improve efficiency, reduce administrative workload, and enhance the overall educational experience. A system that streamlines processes and provides valuable insights can justify the investment in a new system.
By carefully considering these and other factors specific to your school, you can better select a Management Information System that not only meets your current needs but also supports the long-term success and growth of your school(s) and MAT.
“The whole process was great. The specification was very detailed and encapsulated everything that we wanted. Oliver Pearson was super to work with and we would definitely use Everything ICT again.” - Sue Reissing, The Cornovii Trust
If you are thinking of renewing or changing your MIS, perhaps we can help. Our team of experts has been involved in over 400 MIS procurements for schools and MATs in the last 4 years. We’ve had no legal challenges because our suppliers know that we run a fair and compliant process.
The Everything ICT service is free for customers to use, the suppliers bear the cost of the framework. To ensure value for money, suppliers must sign a contract with us that states customers cannot buy their products and services cheaper through any other route, including going direct to the supplier.
Your contract is with us, not the supplier. That means we’re there to support you if there were any challenges. That protection is just one of the reasons why Everything ICT is a DfE recommended procurement framework for schools and MATs.
If you’d like to find out more about how we can help you with your MIS procurement, contact us today.