Keep moving forward.

Like the Simpsons, the need to move schools forward with their IT never seems to end. And even more like the Simpsons, many schools are currently not at their best. The same characters trying to be relevant in new times, familiar to previous generations, but much of the legacy lost on the younger generation.

The changes that are required to help schools get the most out of technology can no longer be achieved by sticking plasters. For too long, schools have had little choice but to take the most affordable route, this doesn’t mean it’s been the most effective long term. Often this has meant keeping their on-premise technology running, because the cost to move away from it, alongside the change required is too much when compared to keeping what you’ve got.

The ongoing requirement to invest in on-premise technology has left many schools using these old solutions, and therefore unable to embrace new technology that could in fact save them money, and enhance their ROI on existing investment technology – which at the same time could be leading to improved outcomes for students, and a workload reduction for staff.

Temporary investment and adoption of platforms due to Covid, are now aging half solutions in many cases, no full adoption of cloud platforms, hardware that was never fit for purpose and no ongoing investment in staff training to readapt solutions when learning returned to the classroom.

But, with the upcoming end of life for Windows 10, Office 2016 and 19 in October 2025 – schools are facing a real opportunity against a backdrop of increased need to move forward, with a generational change from on-premise to the cloud – and all the new things this can bring.

It is also true to say that leaders are becoming ever more aware of the need for change, because of opportunities, and risks. Opportunities – AI being the main headline and risks, such as Cyber Security and staff retention and recruitment.

These are of course just the headlines. Many element are coming together at once in a positive way: such as the ever growing use of modern MIS systems, which present data, and context that is hugely accessible. Whilst there are funding cuts, IT itself can save schools money when a clear strategy and affordable planning is present. For example, the ability of schools to collaborate and streamline when within MATs, and of course supporting remote working – which allows some flexibility in the working life of an otherwise incredibly prescribed environment and consistent access to data and systems (such as AI) that will support workload reduction are all areas where money can be saved whilst supporting improvement and development for all stakeholders.

However, when technology is used more, the risks from threats obviously increase. As many schools are already in a position where not making a change leaves them vulnerable – the push to move forward with its benefits, and the promise of a more secure future are proving popular.

Our responsibility as those providing the systems within schools, is to not let schools to continue to take ‘easy routes’. Either for them, or us.

We know, the easy answer is to get ESU’s, and so need to upgrade hardware, or spend money on software roll out. Or, to upgrade Windows, but not fully retire servers and so use legacy technology. Even in the world of Chromebooks and Google, many schools haven’t made the full jump to remove all their legacy equipment. Leaving mixed infrastructure and environments that confuse users and delay full adoption.

But, we also know the right way to do things for our schools – sustainable solutions, based on a clear strategy. A strategy that will ensure long term planning delivers infrastructure, devices and systems that are ready to support a reliable adoption of technology now, and as a result enabling the future skills that our education system needs to develop.

A strategy that has accessibility, connectivity, device equability and security at its core – implemented with training for staff and ongoing investment to ensure all users are confident that by investing time into adopting a digital strategy, that it will not be another wasted digital endeavour which leads to nowhere.

By taking the opportunity to keep moving forward the future from October 2025 could be significantly different for our schools.