How to choose a school management information system 

Choosing the right management information system (MIS) has the potential to make a huge difference to the effective running of a school, and to the workloads of the staff who need to use it

As a management information system (MIS) has such a substantial impact on the running of schools, the DfE have provided a table that helps them to compare the systems on the market. Changing IT is always painful, but what are the benefits of switching to a more effective MIS?

A secure and effective MIS can:

• reduce costs and free-up funds for teaching and learning;
• help to prevent cyber-attacks and safeguard your school’s data by storing it in the cloud – (see the government cloud first policy);
• create more time for teaching by freeing-up teacher time – reducing the time taken by work flows and data-processing;
• speed up the production of internal and external reports;
• help you to collect and analyse data efficiently, so that you can intervene in the right ways to improve outcomes;
• improve communication, allowing for more flexible working and a better-connected school at every level.

The purpose of the table is to help schools compare MIS providers when they are thinking about switching. It is not designed to provide all the information required by schools when making this decision, but rather to clarify key features of each MIS and speed up the time taken to narrow down the options to a create a tailored provider shortlist.

MIS comparison table

The table shows the key features of the eight management information systems most used by schools. The table can be used to help compare MIS providers, making the decision about whether to move to a new MIS simpler and evidence-based.

It gives details on features the MIS providers claim are available in their systems. The table also shows whether MIS providers are part of a DfE-approved framework – it explicitly does NOT endorse or recommend any of the MIS providers listed – you can read more about these providers on their own websites.

Schools must still do their own detailed due diligence, including checking the accuracy of information given on, or collated from, provider websites, before they make a final decision about whether to change MIS, and which MIS to move to.

If you need any further help with MIS procurement, contact the DfE’s Get Help Buying for Schools team.