Northgate-is - News Item 1169

Northgate Managed Services Secures £1.3m Education Contract with the Hastings Academy

The £1.3million 3 year contract will see Northgate working closely with the Academy to develop, design and manage a state-of-the-art ICT infrastructure to promote active learning to the Academy’s 900 students.  This will include the introduction of new hardware and software, Wi-Fi, a host of audio visual equipment and a new cashless catering system operated using the latest biometric technologies.  Northgate will help support this multi-platform infrastructure from its service desk in Belfast, ensuring that the Academy has access to a broad range of specialist staff and systems.

Many of the Academy’s students come from areas of deprivation.  Despite this the dedicated staff in Hillcrest, the predecessor school, led a dramatic improvement in results.  Following the opening of the new Academy in September 2011 this great work is continuing and accelerating.  The team are helping students attain better GCSE results and improve their life chances by preparing them for the world of work or further study.

The Academy is part of the Hastings Academies Trust whose main sponsor is the University of Brighton.  Additionally the Trust has East Sussex County Council and BT as co-sponsors.  The combined power of highly motivated staff and strong sponsorship means the outlook for students is even brighter.  In support of this and by way of adding value to its partnership with the Academy, Northgate has made a number of places available on its in-house apprenticeship scheme for eligible students when they leave the Academy.  Each will have the opportunity to train with Northgate; to achieve ICT related qualifications and with the added incentive of possible full time employment.

Theresa Phillips, Principal, The Hastings Academy said: “We are delighted that Northgate Managed Services has been appointed as the ICT contractor to the Hastings Academies Trust, following a highly competitive procurement process.  The Hastings Academy has specialist ICT status and Northgate will work with us to make sure that cutting-edge ICT solutions are delivered as the new build takes shape over the coming months.  Together we will ensure that our students’ life chances are improved through unprecedented access to technologies that inspire, stretch and support learning.”

Chris Wiseman, Sales Director, Northgate Managed Services added: “The award of The Hastings Academy contract is a real testament to the quality of the work we do across the UK’s education sector and, alongside the company’s short listing in the BETT Awards, underpins our reputation as one of the UK’s leading educational ICT solution experts.

“We will be working closely with the Academy to ensure we design and deliver a solution and change programme that meets the challenges of the school.  The Academy is keen to ensure that the new ICT solution is not only robust, but is also one that teachers can take full advantage of in order to benefit their students.  Northgate’s extensive experience with schools across the UK will ensure this is delivered.

“I am also delighted that we are in a position to offer students access to a number of places on our apprenticeship scheme with a view to enhancing their employability skills.  I personally feel that this type of training, especially at a time when University fees continue to rise, can make a real difference, particularly to those students who feel the academic route is not for them.  I look forward to working with The Hastings Academy to develop this part of our relationship further.”

Northgate already supplies ICT services and solutions to over 1,250 schools, colleges and academies across the UK including every school in Northern Ireland through Classroom 2000 (C2k).