Folkestone St Mary’s C of E Primary Academy

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Striking the right balance for Folkestone St Mary’s C of E Primary Academy

A fast and reliable internet connection is a necessity in the modern classroom, but easy access to online teaching and learning resources must be balanced with the very important matter of safeguarding students. We helped Folkestone St Mary’s C of E Primary Academy strike that balance by providing high speed connectivity alongside responsive and thorough content filtering.

Challenge 

Before Beaming took over, the school’s internet connectivity was arranged via the County Council. With demand for online resources in every classroom starting to put a strain on the existing connection, the Academy investigated upgrading to a 200Mbps fibre connection but found the cost quoted by the existing internet service provider to be prohibitive.

In addition to emerging problems with the data capacity of the connection, there were on-going issues with change requests taking some time to be actioned.

Solution 

Beaming quoted for a 200Mbps fibre internet connection, providing a significant saving against the cost of upgrading with the school’s existing ISP. But it wasn’t just the saving that gave Beaming the advantage. Our proven ability to respond quickly and take a flexible approach was key. “There are so many variables involved with content filtering, and the online world changes so quickly that you can’t just take a set it and leave it approach. We needed quick-moving support.” the Academy’s Network Manager explains.

With contracts signed, we installed the 200Mbps fibre connection and worked with the school to set up content filtering that would both allow teachers to access the necessary resources and protect pupils from any online content they shouldn’t have access to.

‘There are so many variables involved with content filtering, and the online world changes so quickly that you can’t just take a set it and leave it approach. We needed quick-moving support.’
Network Manager, Folkestone St Mary's C of E Primary Academy

Results 

The school’s staff are happy to have consistent and reliable connectivity, which facilitates work both in the classroom and the back office.

“I’d be first to know if staff were having problems with the speed of the internet connection,” the Network Manager told us, “And I haven’t had any complaints”.

For the Academy’s IT Support Team, the simplicity of making content filtering requests is welcome. “Other providers we have worked with have complicated processes that take too much time but with Beaming we send an email, their tech team action the request, and we can all get on with our day!”.

One of the school’s key aims is to ensure that pupils understand how to lead a healthy lifestyle and stay safe, including in the virtual world. With Beaming as their connectivity partner, they’re confident they can do just that.

Folkestone St Mary's C of E Primary School LogoThe Folkestone St. Mary’s Church of England Primary Academy aims to give the highest quality of care and guidance, where everyone has the best opportunities to reach their potential and beyond; becoming life-long learners.
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Challenges

  • Increased use of online resources causing network strain.
  • Prohibitive upgrade cost with previous provider.
  • Need to make quick changes to content filters.
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Solution

  • 200Mbps fibre internet connection.
  • Responsive support to make quick content filter changes.
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Results

  • Improved safeguarding and cybersecurity.
  • Less frustration for staff.
  • Fast, reliable access to the internet.

How we help schools & academy trusts

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