Consilium Academies Shortlisted for Innovative Trust of the Year - National MAT Awards 2025

 

This prestigious recognition highlights the remarkable technological advancements led by our IT Department, aimed at enhancing educational outcomes across the Trust.

Under the leadership of Joel Thornton, Director of IT Services, our Technical Services department has spearheaded a comprehensive digital transformation, ensuring that every school within the Trust is equipped with modern tools and resources to thrive in the digital age. From improving infrastructure to deploying innovative technology, these efforts have directly impacted student engagement, learning experiences, and academic results.

 

Key achievements include:

 

• Infrastructure Overhaul: A complete upgrade of IT systems across several schools, ensuring reliable internet access and seamless digital engagement for students and staff.
• Chromebooks and Digital Tools: The deployment of 400 new Chromebooks, improving staff efficiency and enabling enhanced student support.
• Classroom Technology: Replacing up to 900 desktops and investing in new classroom screens to foster an engaging and interactive learning environment.
• Consilium Hub: A new Sharepoint intranet system that centralises resources, improving access to essential documents and reducing administrative workload.
• Cyber Security & Budget Efficiency: Achieving Cyber Essentials Certification and saving approximately £30,000 annually through mobile contract standardisation, reinvested into further educational technology.

These innovations have had a profound impact, transforming the digital landscape across the Trust and improving educational opportunities for all students. 

Staff and parents have praised the changes, noting that “things are easier now” and that “it’s nice that things just work.”

 

 

The thing that has made the biggest and richest difference in our school is the way Joel and his team have strategically developed the IT infrastructure within Thornhill Academy. Our students have been given so much more time in their lessons.

Sue Hamilton, Headteacher at Thornhill Academy.

This nomination is as a testament to the dedication and vision of our IT team, and we are proud to share this achievement with all staff members who have contributed to this transformative journey.

 

 

The work of Joel and the IT team has transformed our provision across our schools leading to much improved facilities and services not only for our students but for our staff too.

Michael McCarthy, CEO Consilium Academies