How Coldean Primary School Improved Admin and Communication with Compass MIS
School Profile
Coldean Primary School in Brighton, East Sussex, is a vibrant, happy school with around 305 pupils. Known for its warm, inclusive ethos and strong sense of community, Coldean is a place where every child’s strengths are celebrated. The school is committed to providing high-quality education and nurturing the whole child, ensuring everyone can be happy, healthy, and develop a genuine zest for learning.
Staff retention is high, reflecting a supportive environment where collaboration and mutual respect thrive. True to their motto, the school community is always “learning together, inspiring each other”- preparing children to be “secondary ready” and ready for life.
The Challenge
Like many schools in the area, Coldean faced challenges such as falling rolls, funding pressures, and diverse learning needs. Parental communications were difficult to manage, and fragmented systems meant admin was a daily juggle.
Coldean has been on quite the MIS journey. After battling to move away from a longstanding system that was no longer fit for purpose, their next MIS was unexpectedly made end-of-life, forcing another move, which didn’t work out well.
Previous systems each brought their own frustrations: clunky interfaces, staff struggling to run reports, inaccessible key information, confusing online training, and poor support.
“We’ve tried a number of MIS systems in recent years. We thought we’d found a good solution, only to be told the product was being discontinued. The recommended alternative just didn’t feel right for us, and after a swift transition to it, we quickly discovered it wasn’t. We needed something that actually fit Coldean – not just another one-size-fits-all solution.
Nigel Watson, Deputy Headteacher, Coldean Primary School
The need was urgent: Coldean was seeking an MIS that would consolidate their data, streamline processes, and most importantly, genuinely work for and support the Coldean school community.
The Solution
After our bumpy ride with other systems, a simple Google search led Coldean to Compass. “What truly stood out was Compass’s personal approach and commitment to genuine partnership”, shared Nigel, Deputy Headteacher at Coldean. Compass offered the bespoke support and a sense of working together from day one that Coldean was looking for. For Coldean, Compass wasn’t just a vendor, but a team invested in their success and growth.
“Compass offered the special touch. We felt heard, supported, and like we were on the journey together.”
Nigel Watson, Deputy Headteacher, Coldean Primary School
The onboarding process began in February and the school went live in May. Migration wasn’t without its hiccups (because what migration doesn’t have a few hiccups, right?) but throughout, the Compass team was responsive, supportive, and always ready to help.
Coldean found in Compass not just a modern, reliable MIS, but a true partner – one focused on helping schools thrive and grow together.
The Outcome
Since rolling out Compass, life at Coldean has steadied once more, with improvements seen across admin, communication, and school culture.
Greater Efficiency
Admin is easier – registers, census submissions, and data updates are now simpler and faster, freeing up valuable staff time.
Enhanced Engagement
The Parent App and newsfeed have transformed communications across the school community, making it easy for parents to report absences and stay in the loop on all things Coldean.
Improved Communications
Internal comms are seamless – instant reporting and updates between classrooms and the office have become the new normal, keeping everyone connected and informed.
“The app is brilliant for parents, and the newsfeed has made a real difference. Our staff are developing their use of Compass’ wide range of communication options.”
Nigel Watson, Deputy Headteacher, Coldean Primary School
“The support from Compass is standout. The responsiveness, care, and partnership approach are truly valued – the Compass support team are fantastic ambassadors for the company.”
Nigel Watson, Deputy Headteacher, Coldean Primary School
Looking Ahead
Coldean is eager to expand its use of Compass features, with plans to introduce Pulse and Chronicle next, supporting their need for more in-depth whole-child reporting and deeper data insights. Above all, the school values its ongoing relationship with Compass, confident that Compass will continue to adapt and grow alongside them.
“We’re on a journey with Compass and are looking forward to seeing what’s next – it feels like Compass really listens and will grow alongside us.”
Nigel Watson, Deputy Headteacher, Coldean Primary School
Looking for a partner to help your school reconnect, grow, and get future-ready?
