At Compass, we understand that every school’s journey is unique. When Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine, a leading co-educational community school in Kenmare, set out to find a more integrated solution to manage their school operations, they weren’t just looking for new software. They wanted a partner who understood the real demands of school life and could help bring their community closer together.
With over 630 students and nearly 60 staff, Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine is known for its safe, supportive and positive learning environment. But, like many schools, they were juggling disconnected systems and mounting admin, making it harder to focus on what matters most.
Here, Principal Dermot Healy shares how Compass helped transform their school community.
Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine: Our Compass Story
The Challenge We Faced
Before we found Compass, our school management systems were frankly a headache. We were running two separate systems, and their limitations meant we had to add extra software just for timetabling and school-wide communication.
The big issue was that nothing talked to each other. We had a great timetabling tool, but integrating it with the main system was difficult. The parent app was the same; our staff had to double up on tasks just to keep everyone in the loop. It was adding unnecessary workload and stress.
When our existing MIS provider stopped operating, it felt like a nudge. We were already looking for something better, something that would integrate all the different things schools have to do to support their students, staff and school community.
Finding the Right Solution
We were determined to find one platform that did everything, and Compass completely ticked that box. It brought together all our essential functions: administration, timetabling (with Griddle), communication, parent-teacher meetings, reporting, payments, and more.
“The integration process was far smoother than I expected. The team guided us every step of the way, and what initially seemed daunting turned out to be remarkably manageable.”
We rolled Compass out over the Easter break, and by the start of the new academic year, we were confidently using the full suite.
Parents quickly embraced the new app, getting instant access to important updates and reports on their child’s progress. Compass has not only streamlined our operations but also brought a new level of connectivity to our whole school community. The communication setup is remarkable and has been embraced by all teachers, parents, and students.
The Difference It’s Making
Since adopting Compass, the transformation is something you can genuinely feel across the school community.
Communication is seamless now. We have real-time updates and targeted messages, ensuring everyone is on the same page. Attendance, cover, students out on activities, payments from students, parent-teacher meetings, and reporting are all handled in one spot, which has made daily life simpler and much more transparent for everyone.
Sensitive information, like SEN records and care team meetings, is securely managed thanks to robust permissions in the Chronicle feature.
“Compass has completely changed the way we communicate. It’s so powerful – it ensures everyone is on the same page and eliminates unnecessary stress.”
Our staff now have more time for what really matters: teaching and supporting our students.
The timetabling tool, Griddle, has been a game-changer for us, producing accurate schedules and simplifying our cover management. Although a challenge to get to grips with initially, as we were used to doing things one way, it is a very powerful tool offered by Compass.
Even though we think we’re only using about 30% of what Compass can do, the impact is already huge. And I can’t speak highly enough of the Compass support team; they’re always there, resolving issues quickly and keeping stress to an absolute minimum.
Looking Ahead
My advice to anyone considering Compass is simple.
“Once you get on the Compass train, you won’t want to get off. Just take your time embedding all the brilliance that Compass offers.”
There is always something new to learn. The seating plans and student wheel this year were very welcomed features by our staff. Without a doubt, the communication tools in Compass have changed our working lives.
Two and a half years on, we don’t recognise ourselves, the change has been transformational.
We’re excited to keep exploring everything Compass has to offer. Staff enthusiasm is high, our school community is more connected than ever, and we look forward to unlocking even more features as we continue to build a collaborative, thriving environment for everyone.
Looking for a partner to help your school reconnect, grow, and get future-ready?
