The Challenge

How can you support different learning methods with technology?  

Developing technology to streamline teachers’ workload in a large junior school posed significant challenges. Documents were stored locally on individual devices, consuming memory and creating version control issues. 

Without cloud-based solutions, access was slow, and collaboration was limited – making processes inefficient. Communication relied heavily on emails and attachments, which added duplication and complexity rather than reducing workload. This fragmented approach hindered both administrative tasks and classroom innovation. The school needed a clear digital strategy to integrate Microsoft tools effectively, enabling centralised storage, real-time collaboration, and secure access. By leveraging platforms such as OneDrive, SharePoint, and Teams, staff could share resources seamlessly, reduce reliance on email and adopt digital practices that enhanced teaching and learning. 

The Solution

Use Microsoft 365

Computeam’s educational consultants knew that a cloud solution was the answer as it also included a Microsoft partner-certified product to convert existing hardware to work in the cloud.  

The works completed over the summer comprised of two main elements. The first was to migrate all the school data from on-premises file servers to OneDrive and Teams, allowing staff to access their work from anywhere. The second was to convert the existing fleet of 150 Windows devices to Microsoft Intune. Further savings were achieved by leveraging the included Microsoft licensing to migrate 350 iPads from JAMF to Intune, saving the school over £2k a year. 

At the start of the school year, there was a whole-day training session which showed staff how to use the cloud-based tools effectively to make improvements in their collaboration and streamlining their efficiency. 

They were also trained in using Teams for communication, and emails were no longer used for internal communication from that point on. Teachers were shown how to use Class Teams to maximise the potential of digital technology in the classroom and as the format to set homework. Years 4 and 6 began to use Class Teams immediately, before it was then rolled out to Years 3 and 5 later in the term.  

Meanwhile, training included the use of the digital accessibility tools which are available with Microsoft 365 and teachers began to develop ways to embed these tools into their lessons to support pupils.

The Result

An easy-to-use, feature-rich digital cloud platform 

Staff collaboration and communication have been dramatically improved. Teachers are using Teams effectively as a tool to bring everyone together. Sharing and working on documents has become easier, and the processes are more streamlined. All internal communication is now via Teams rather than email, again streamlining communication through the inbuilt triage of messages and the ease of keeping up with threads.  

The use of Class Teams is making a big difference in the classroom, with teachers using assignments to set homework and share resources with their classes. There is great enthusiasm to develop the use of the Microsoft apps further, with training sessions booked to support the school as they continue their digital transformation journey. 

Client Statement

Our school was introduced to Computeam through the DfE, who engaged them to support us with migration to a cloud-based server. We have been hugely impressed by the interactions of all Computeam staff in managing the migration efficiently and effectively. 

We have been very well supported by both managers and technicians, who have all demonstrated positivity and dedication to our project. The technicians have always responded to our queries and requests with a can-do approach. They have also responded incredibly promptly to the technical issues which migration to a new and unfamiliar platform for school staff has inevitably generated. Computeam has supported our school staff in moving from a familiar environment to an unknown system very well. 

Planned training and technical support have helped school staff, with diverse levels of confidence, to move effectively through the migration process. Staff have been supported at a pace which was comfortable for each of them, enabling the migration to be successful. Technicians have been on-hand to answer questions and queries, and their personable, supportive approach has enabled them to apply their knowledge without confusing or belittling staff. 

Our migration to a cloud-based server has created financial savings, enhanced file sharing and accessibility, as well as improving communication among staff and governors. Thanks to their expert technical knowledge and experience, Computeam have also achieved unexpected hardware savings for our school by deploying laptops efficiently and making use of some we had been advised were not usable. 

Thanks to Computeam, we are delighted with our new cloud-based server provision and the smoothness of the migration process. We are now in a stronger position with regard to IT capabilities and cybersecurity. In addition, Computeam have supported us with creating some administrative automation which was not possible with our previous system. Their enabling support has opened doors to efficiencies, compliance, consistency and reliability, which have positively impacted the workload of both administrators and those supporting teaching and learning. This well-managed migration has provided huge benefits to our school.

Maria Ackland – Headteacher - Horndean CE Junior School

Computeam Statement

It has been fantastic to work with Horndean CE Junior School on their digital transformation journey! From the outset, the leadership team showed real commitment to supporting staff by reducing workload and making technology work smarter, not harder. Their focus on staff wellbeing and efficiency was clear, and the enthusiasm from teachers to embrace new digital tools was inspiring. 

One of the biggest game-changers has been the introduction of Class Teams. It’s transforming teaching and learning by creating a central hub for resources, assignments, and collaboration, making everything more streamlined and accessible. Staff are already seeing the benefits of reduced email traffic and improved communication, freeing up time to focus on what matters most – the pupils. 

I’m excited to continue working with the school as we build on this success, exploring even more possibilities with Microsoft 365 and taking the next step into AI-powered tools to boost efficiency further. The future is looking bright!

Penny Brooks – Education and Training Consultant

The Horndean migration was a really enjoyable project for our tech team. The timelines were very tight, so we had our concerns, but Maria and Emma were fully on board, which made the whole process smooth and efficient. Seeing the school's existing tech unlock its full potential by moving to the cloud was a really rewarding experience, and it's always nice to hear the tech "just works".

Derek McCoy – Head of Field Consultancy