Press Release | 07 June 2021
Digital transformation for schools: RM launches first-of-its kind education technology solution for UK primary schools
LONDON, 7th June, 2021: RM, a leading supplier of technology to the education sector, has today announced the launch of its transformative new education-technology solution, RM Vantage, for education institutions looking to upgrade their online learning offering.
With bite-sized learner-led online courses included as standard, as well as expert face-to-face training and support available for staff, RM Vantage is the first-of-its-kind, all-encompassing education-technology solution in the UK.
Already piloted successfully in the Shere Infants and Clandon Primary Schools, Forest Federation and Vickerstown Primary School with Brambles Nursery, RM Vantage will provide schools and Academy Trusts with an affordable end-to-end technology solution that continues to evolve and adapt in line with the needs of its users.
With schools battling against outdated legacy systems in the wake of the country’s third national lockdown, RM Vantage supports schools to develop a technology strategy in line with the needs of its students, staff and, ultimately, individual budget.
What’s more, given that an estimated 9% of children lack access to a laptop or desktop computer, RM is working closely with its customers, as part of RM Vantage, to make sure schools have sufficient new devices for children and staff at school.
“It’s no secret that COVID-19 fast-tracked the digital transformation of the UK’s education sector. As a result, school staff are more tech savvy than ever and looking for ways to ensure technology works for them. But with teaching in schools a constant, it’s impossible for schools to hit pause and wholly focus on a digital transformation project and deliberating over providers – and therein lay the problem we wanted to solve.
We looked at what was currently available for schools wanting to kick start their digital transformation journey and a lot of it was overly complex and expensive, and required an investment in time schools simply did not possess.
With RM Vantage, we’ve worked hard to simplify the process with schools and teachers in mind – without compromising on the overall quality of the transformation project.”
Michael Oakes, Product Manager for RM Vantage
“Our servers were between eight and nine years’ old and the storage was full to the brim – yet nobody knew what was actually on there. Technology had moved on, but we hadn’t. And, whilst everything 'worked', it was more by luck than by any judgement. We simply did not have an IT strategy in place and RM have worked tirelessly to eradicate that and get us back to where we need to be.”
Dan Lister, Chair of Governors, Forest Federation
After months in lockdown, and a rise in remote learning across the UK and globally, RM Vantage will be instrumental in migrating academic institutions to the cloud, and away from on-premise systems.
Crucially, RM Vantage includes the training and digital up-skilling of teachers and other school staff so that everyone feels comfortable with new technology or systems and so that, while the IT provider might change, the quality of teaching will remain the same throughout the process.
This solution is available for primary schools now, with a solution designed for multi academy trusts available later this year.
For more information on how RM Vantage could support your school or trust, visit rm.com/vantage.
About RM
RM’s technology business unit enables the improvement of education outcomes around the world through the innovative use of existing and emerging technologies. With a heritage dating back almost 50 years, supporting schools, teachers and pupils across the globe – from pre-school to higher education – including examination boards, central governments and other professional institutions. rm.com/education
About RM plc
RM’s technology division is part of the listed company RM plc – the £189m turnover British business, with c. 1,837 employees globally. Established in 1973, RM plc’s Group purpose is to enrich the lives of learners worldwide. rm.com
Media Contact
For more information, quotes or images on this story, please contact:
Simon Carter
scarter@rm.com
or
Sam Shaw
Harvard PR
rmeducation@harvard.co.uk
0207 861 2800