A people-first partnership that’s transforming school life, one happy day at a time.
A Hub of Community and Joy
At Hethersett VC Primary, school is more than lessons and homework. It’s a vibrant community where smiles and support come first. “My friends and I enjoy going to the school, it’s a good place to be…,” says Amelia, a pupil who sums up the school’s spirit in one word: fun. With a playground full of activities and a school buzzing with energy, Hethersett is a place where children and staff genuinely thrive.
The Challenge: Too Much Admin, Not Enough Magic
Like many schools, Hethersett faced the daily grind of admin chaos – registers, record-keeping, and endless communication loops. For the headteacher and his team, the challenge was clear: how to streamline operations, reduce stress, and make space for what really matters: learning and wellbeing.
The Solution: Compass – Sorted, Not Stressed
Compass MIS became the obvious choice. “It was always an easy decision, and one of the best decisions I’ve made because it has improved the wellbeing of my staff,” shares Headteacher Mathew Parslow-Williams. From digital registers to instant Chronicle entries for behaviour and wellbeing, Compass made the admin side of school life feel almost effortless.
But it’s more than just features. “The partnership with Compass was something which really felt that we were part of the process, not that the process was being done to us.” The school felt heard, supported, and empowered to shape their own Compass journey.
The Results: Calm, Connected, and Confident
Since rolling out Compass, Hethersett has seen tangible improvements:
- Staff Wellbeing: Less admin means happier teachers and more time for students.
- Parent Communication: “It’s made communication with parents easier,” with messages and updates sent in just a click.
- Effortless Record-Keeping: Accidents, behaviour, and attendance are logged quickly and securely, no more paper-chasing, – “It’s made the whole process so much easier,” says Emily, Teacher at Hethersett Primary.
- Real Partnership: The school continues to work closely with Compass, trialling new features and shaping the future of their MIS.
And the impact is visible: “My first immediate impression for a school of this size was just how calm everything is, and how everything just works so smoothly and so well.”
A System that Grows with the School
For Hethersett Primary, Compass isn’t just a tool, it’s a partner. From daily registers to monitoring behaviour and communicating with families, Compass supports every aspect of school life. “It’s a partnership which works. You get to know the staff, they get to know you, and you work together to make your school a better place.”
The Magic of Compass: In Their Own Words
- “Compass is a great system. It improves the wellbeing for staff. It enables pupils to know where they are with their learning, and parents stay informed through the effective communication.”
- “If I used Compass as a primary school teacher, there would have been so many benefits… it would have had a big impact on my wellbeing.”
