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When people think about IT, they often think about cyber security, connectivity, cloud, AI and all the systems that sit behind the scenes keeping organisations running.

Those things are a huge part of what we do at Concero, but they have never been the thing that defines us.

The real story has always been the people.

Where it started

Concero began in 1999, when Brad Clegg and James Morris were working as two IT technicians inside a school in Wolverhampton.

Being based in a school gave them a very different perspective on technology. They saw first-hand that good IT support was not simply about fixing something when it broke. It was about understanding the people using the technology, listening properly and making sure it helped them do what they needed to do.

That approach became the foundation for Concero.

More than 25 years later, the technology has changed dramatically and the team has grown, but the thinking behind what we do has stayed much the same. Behind every device, network, cloud platform or security system is a person trying to get something done. That is where we start.

People make the difference

Technology never really stands still. AI is changing how organisations work, cyber threats continue to evolve and expectations around connectivity, safeguarding, accessibility and digital experience keep growing.

Our job is to understand all of that, but more importantly, to make it useful.

That takes people who are curious, calm under pressure and willing to listen before jumping to an answer. It takes problem-solvers who keep digging when something is not quite right, and people who are comfortable asking, “What if we could do this better?”

That mindset runs through Concero and is a big part of what we look for when people join the team.

Some of the careers within Concero have taken unexpected routes. Josh joined us as an apprentice and has grown into a Systems Architect. Hayley started her career as a school photographer before moving into procurement and eventually becoming our COO. Matt’s journey took him from IT technician to CTO, and even our Marketing Manager swapped food styling for technology.

Different backgrounds bring different experiences, ideas and ways of thinking, and we believe that makes us stronger.

We have never believed there is only one route into technology. Skills develop and technology changes, but curiosity, care and a willingness to keep learning matter just as much.

Built on trust

Technology sits at the heart of the schools and organisations we support, so trust is incredibly important.

Our customers rely on us to look after systems that staff, pupils and communities use every day. That trust is not built through one big project or one impressive piece of technology. It is built over time.

It comes from answering when somebody needs help, being open when something is not right, doing what we said we would do and giving advice based on what is genuinely best for the customer.

For us, being a technology partner means taking the time to understand the organisation behind the systems. We want our customers to feel listened to, understood and supported, and to know that we are working alongside them rather than simply supplying technology.

That is why so many of our relationships extend far beyond a single project or contract.

Technology that creates impact

The best technology should make a noticeable difference to the people using it.

Sometimes that difference is easy to see. It might be a major cloud migration, a more reliable network, stronger cyber security or a new digital strategy.

Other times, the impact is much smaller but just as important. It could be a teacher being able to get back into a system quickly, a member of staff feeling more confident using technology or a school leader finally having better visibility of their organisation’s digital direction.

It might also mean giving a pupil better access to learning through accessibility tools or helping a school create a safer, more inclusive digital environment.

Those moments matter to us because they are ultimately what technology is there for.

Our impact also goes beyond the technology we deliver. Through our partnerships, charity work and relationships across education and the wider community, we want to use our position to create positive change wherever we can.

For us, success is not only about what we build or deliver. It is also about what becomes possible because of it.

A lot has changed since two IT technicians started supporting a school in Wolverhampton in 1999.

Our team has grown, the organisations we support have grown and the technology we work with looks very different.

What we do not want to lose are the things that got us here in the first place: curiosity, good relationships, doing the right thing and never becoming so comfortable that we stop asking how things could be better.

We are proud of the technology we deliver, but we are even prouder of the people behind it. Our team, our customers, our partners and the communities we are lucky enough to work with are what make Concero what it is today.

That is what People. Trust. Impact. means to us.

Technology is how we help. People are why we exist.

Concero. For the Change Makers.

Four summers.

That’s how many major summer upgrade windows schools have left before 2030: 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.

At first glance, four summers might feel like plenty of time. But when you factor in budgets, procurement, existing contracts, surveys, installation and testing, that time can disappear quickly.

The Department for Education expects every school and college to be working towards six core digital and technology standards by 2030:

Together, they are designed to provide the secure, reliable and well-managed technology foundation that modern education depends on.

Why count in summers?

Because summer is often the best opportunity to get important technology work done.

It’s the time when cabling can be installed, networks upgraded and systems tested without interrupting lessons. But not every improvement can happen at once.

A new wireless network might depend on upgraded switches. Better connectivity may uncover ageing cabling. Cyber security improvements could require changes to systems, processes and staff training.

Everything is connected. Without a clear roadmap, one delayed decision can quickly become another year lost.

This isn’t just an IT job

Technology now runs through almost everything a school does, from safeguarding and teaching tools to communications, catering and day-to-day operations.

That means meeting the standards cannot sit with one technician or be left until something goes wrong. It needs leadership, ownership and a plan.

The DfE’s digital leadership standard places responsibility on school leaders to assign an SLT digital lead and develop a strategy shaped by the needs of staff, pupils and the wider school, not by technology for technology’s sake.

Make this summer count

You don’t need to replace everything this summer.

But you do need to know where you stand.

Start by reviewing your current infrastructure against the six core standards. Identify the biggest gaps, understand which improvements depend on others and build a realistic roadmap across the summers you have left.

Four summers. Six standards. One clear opportunity to move forward without the final-year rush.

At Concero, we help schools turn digital ambition into action, bringing together strategy, infrastructure, cyber security and support so teachers can teach, leaders can lead and people can thrive.  

Ready to plan your next steps?

Contact us to see how we can help guide your school through the DfE standards, identify your priority areas and build a realistic roadmap towards 2030.

Technology has become part of the fabric of school life.

It’s there in every lesson, every staff meeting, every homework assignment and every conversation between teachers, students and parents. But while technology has become essential, the way schools use it is anything but identical.

Every school has its own priorities. Its own challenges. Its own way of working.

That’s why we believe every school’s digital journey should be as unique as the people within it.

Our latest case study takes us to Alcester Academy, where digital learning isn’t defined by one platform or one piece of technology. Instead, it’s built around a simple principle: use the right tools in the right way to create the best possible experience for staff and students.

Technology that fits the school – not the other way around

There’s often a perception that schools have to choose sides. Microsoft or Google. Cloud or on-premise. One solution over another.

Alcester Academy shows there’s another way.

By combining Microsoft and Google Workspace, the school has created a digital environment that feels seamless. Staff have the flexibility to teach how they want, students can access learning wherever they are, and technology quietly supports the school day without becoming the centre of attention.

It’s a reminder that successful digital transformation isn’t about following trends. It’s about making thoughtful decisions that reflect the needs of your community.

A partnership built on understanding

Behind every successful technology strategy is something even more important: people.

One of the themes that runs throughout Alcester Academy’s story is partnership.

Schools don’t just need someone to fix problems when they arise. They need a partner who understands education, listens to what matters and helps them plan for what’s next.

That’s exactly how we work at Concero Education.

Whether we’re supporting a classroom teacher, helping school leaders shape a long-term digital strategy or delivering day-to-day IT support, our role is the same – to make technology feel simpler, more reliable and more purposeful.

Because when schools don’t have to worry about their technology, they can focus on what they do best: helping young people thrive.

More than devices and software

Perhaps the most powerful message from this case study is that technology is never the end goal. It’s about creating opportunities. Opportunities for teachers to inspire. For students to collaborate. For school leaders to innovate with confidence.

And for young people to develop the digital skills they’ll carry with them long after they leave the classroom.

When technology works well, it almost disappears into the background. Teaching feels more connected. Learning becomes more accessible. Schools have the confidence to keep moving forward.

We’re proud to share Alcester Academy’s, and we hope it inspires other schools to think differently about what technology can achieve when it’s built around people, not platforms.

Watch the full Alcester Academy case study and hear directly from the staff and students who are bringing joined-up digital learning to life.

Because behind every school, every classroom and every learner is someone making it all happen. We’re proud to be part of that story.

Sometimes, the best events aren’t really about the event itself.

They’re about the people in the room.

On Friday night, customers, suppliers, friends, family and colleagues came together for our first EduKid Pub Quiz. There were quiz questions, raffle prizes, plenty of laughs and a healthy dose of competition, but what stood out most was the willingness of so many people to support a cause that matters.

Together, we raised an incredible £1,670 for EduKid.

As a business founded in education, supporting access to learning felt like a natural fit for us. We work with schools every day and see firsthand the opportunities education creates. Through our partnership with EduKid, we’re helping to remove barriers for children who might otherwise miss out on those same opportunities.

Our goal is to raise £11,000 to sponsor a classroom of 30 children in Peru for an entire year, providing access to education, resources and ongoing support. Friday night’s fundraiser takes us one step closer to making that happen.

A huge thank you goes to the businesses that sponsored tables and helped make the evening possible:

We’re also incredibly grateful to Smoothwall for donating raffle prizes, alongside a number of other generous local businesses and suppliers who helped support the raffle.

Of course, no pub quiz would be complete without a winner.

Abbey Cleaning didn’t just sponsor a table, they cleaned up on the night too, taking home the Concero Pub Quiz trophy after a fiercely contested battle for first place. Congratulations to the team on their victory and their newly acquired bragging rights.

To everyone who came along, sponsored a table, donated a raffle prize, bought raffle tickets or supported the event in any way, thank you.

You helped create a brilliant evening and raised money for a fantastic cause.

We can’t wait to do it all again in November.

How schools can build accessible environments using the right mix of resources, confidence, and everyday technology

Inclusive Teaching Starts with the Right Support

Inclusive teaching starts with a shared responsibility – to create environments where everyone can access and engage, whether that’s in teaching, learning, or the wider school experience.
That means having a range of resources available and understanding how existing tools can be used more effectively.

Across schools, this is becoming an increasingly important focus. Around 1.7 million children in England have SEND—roughly one in five pupils¹.

At the same time, the direction from the DfE is clear. There is a growing move towards a more inclusive, “universal” approach—where support is embedded across the whole school, not just targeted at specific individuals².

Inclusive practice isn’t just about meeting identified needs; it’s about creating environments where everyone can participate fully.

Building Inclusive Classrooms and School Environments

Every school community is different. Pupils, staff, and leaders all bring a range of needs, preferences, and ways of working, and no single approach will work for all.

That’s why creating inclusive environments is about balance:

When this is in place, the impact goes beyond the classroom. It supports staff in their roles, strengthens communication, and helps create a more inclusive culture across the whole school.

Accessibility in Schools: Making Better Use of Existing Technology

At Concero, we work closely with schools every day, and one of the most common challenges we see isn’t a lack of technology; it’s a lack of time and confidence to fully explore what’s already there.

Across both Microsoft and Google environments, there are powerful accessibility features already built in – from dictation and screen readers to immersive reading tools and display adjustments.

But in many cases, these tools aren’t being used consistently. Not because they’re not valuable but because staff haven’t had the time or support to explore them fully.

This creates a gap between what’s available and what’s actually being used in practice.

Closing that gap doesn’t always require new systems. It often starts with awareness, confidence, and practical guidance.

Supporting Staff Confidence in Inclusive Teaching

For inclusive practice to be effective, it needs to be consistent across the whole school.

When staff feel confident using accessibility tools:

In practice, this can be as simple as:

These are small changes, but they can have a significant impact on how pupils access learning day to day.

This shift towards more inclusive, everyday practice is where schools can make the biggest impact, turning small changes into meaningful improvements for both pupils and staff.

A Practical Approach to Accessibility Training in Schools

Through our ongoing partnership with nasen, we’ve seen a growing demand from schools for practical, accessible training that fits into busy school environments³.

Schools aren’t looking for more complexity – they’re looking for simple, effective ways to support staff and improve inclusive practice.

Together with nasen, we’re supporting schools through focused accessibility training designed to help staff make better use of the tools already available to them.

In a one-hour session (delivered remotely or in person), staff explore:

It’s designed to be simple, relevant, and immediately useful, supporting schools to take small, meaningful steps towards more inclusive practice.

👉 Find out more about the training here:
https://nasen.org.uk/news/turn-everyday-technology-inclusive-teaching

Moving Inclusive Practice Forward

The direction of travel is clear. Inclusive practice is no longer something separate – it’s becoming part of everyday teaching, learning, and the wider school environment.

Creating accessible spaces doesn’t happen through a single tool or initiative. It’s built over time, through the right combination of resources, greater awareness, and growing confidence across staff.

By supporting schools to better understand and use the tools they already have, alongside the wider resources available, meaningful progress can be made towards more inclusive environments for everyone.

Through our partnership with nasen, we’re continuing to support schools with practical, focused accessibility training, helping to turn everyday technology into something that works for every learner, in every setting.

👉 Find out more about the training here:
https://nasen.org.uk/news/turn-everyday-technology-inclusive-teaching

Sources

¹ Department for Education – Special Educational Needs in England
https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/special-educational-needs-in-england

² Department for Education – SEND and Alternative Provision Improvement Plan
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/send-and-alternative-provision-improvement-plan

³ nasen – Resources and guidance on inclusive practice
https://nasen.org.uk/resources

It’s no secret that school days are busy. From lesson planning and marking to emails, reports and safeguarding admin, the workload builds quickly.

That’s where tools like Microsoft Copilot are starting to make a real difference.

Copilot works alongside the tools you already use, like Word, Outlook and Teams. It helps reduce time spent on repetitive tasks so you can focus on what matters most, teaching and leading.

For teachers, that might mean:

For school leaders, it can support with:

It’s not about replacing professional judgement. It’s about reducing pressure in the day-to-day.

Used properly, Copilot can help teams work more efficiently, communicate more clearly and free up valuable time across the school.

If you’re exploring AI in your setting, the key is keeping it practical, safe and aligned with how your school already works.

Because when the right tools are in place, everyday tasks become simpler. And that makes a real difference.

As expectations around DfE standards, cyber security, and digital learning in schools continue to grow, many leadership teams are re-evaluating how well their current IT infrastructure is really supporting them.

For Gorsemoor Primary School in Staffordshire, this meant taking a closer look at whether their technology was not only secure and compliant but also reliable, scalable, and capable of supporting accessible, inclusive learning across the school.

Rather than continuing with incremental changes, Gorsemoor decided to invest in a full IT transformation project, focused on modernising systems, strengthening security, and building a digital environment that could genuinely support both staff and pupils day to day.

Why IT Transformation Matters for Schools

Technology now underpins almost every aspect of school life from safeguarding and data protection to teaching, learning, and communication.

Yet in many schools, IT has evolved reactively over time. Systems are patched together, support is stretched, and reliability becomes inconsistent. While things may “work,” they don’t always work well enough to meet the growing demands placed on schools.

For senior leadership teams, this creates real challenges:

At the same time, the need for accessible learning environments has never been greater. Schools are supporting a wider range of needs than ever before, and expectations around inclusion continue to rise.

This is where IT transformation becomes critical.

Without the right infrastructure in place, even the best tools and intentions fall short. But with a secure, reliable, and well-structured digital environment, technology can become a powerful enabler—supporting staff to adapt, personalise, and deliver learning in ways that work for every pupil.

Building a Secure, Future-Ready IT Environment

Working in partnership with Concero, Gorsemoor Primary undertook a full transformation of its IT infrastructure.

This included:

The result is an environment where technology is no longer a barrier—but a dependable part of the school’s daily operations.

For leadership, this brings greater confidence and visibility. For staff, it reduces disruption. And for pupils, it creates a more consistent and supportive learning experience.

Supporting Accessibility Through Technology

One of the most important outcomes of Gorsemoor’s transformation has been the impact on accessibility.

With the right foundations in place, technology is now actively supporting more inclusive teaching and learning across the school.

Staff are better equipped to:

This shift is significant.

Accessibility is no longer dependent on workarounds or individual effort; it is built into the school’s operations. And for pupils, that means fewer barriers, more confidence, and greater opportunity to succeed.

A Strategic Approach, Not a Short-Term Fix

When it comes to IT, it’s easy to focus on immediate cost. But as many schools are finding, short-term decisions don’t always deliver long-term value – particularly when it comes to security, reliability, and accessibility.

Gorsemoor’s journey highlights the importance of taking a more strategic approach to investing in the right infrastructure, the right support, and a plan that aligns with the school’s wider goals.

Because when technology is done properly, it doesn’t just support the school, it strengthens it.

Watch the Case Study

Gorsemoor Primary School’s story is a clear example of what’s possible when technology is aligned with a school’s vision – supporting security, improving reliability, and enabling more inclusive, accessible learning.

Watch the full case study video to see how the transformation unfolded and the impact it’s having across leadership, staff, and pupils.

How schools can use everyday technology to support every learner.

Creating an inclusive school environment isn’t about adding more layers; it’s about designing learning in a way that works for everyone from the start.

As a SENCO or member of SLT, you’re constantly balancing the needs of individual pupils with the reality of whole-school delivery. Technology can play a powerful role here, but only when it’s used intentionally. That’s where inclusion by design comes in.

Inclusion by design: essential for some, useful for all

Accessible technology isn’t just a SEND solution; it’s a whole-school strategy. When used effectively, features like:

become:

This approach reduces the need for reactive, one-off solutions and instead builds accessibility into everyday teaching and learning.

Making the most of the technology you already have

Many schools already have access to powerful accessibility tools through platforms like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, but they’re often underused. These platforms include features that support a wide range of needs, including:

By utilising these readily available tools, schools can:

Supporting both students and staff

Inclusive technology isn’t just about pupils, it also supports staff in delivering more flexible, responsive teaching. For example:

When accessibility is embedded into the tools everyone uses, it becomes part of the culture, not an add-on.

Turning tools into practice across your school

One of the biggest challenges isn’t access, it’s knowing:

That’s why we’ve created a simple, shareable accessibility guide that maps:

This guide can be shared across your school to align staff and support a consistent approach to inclusion.
ADD IN IMAGE 

Download the accessibility guide and share it with your team

Use it in staff briefings, CPD sessions, or SEND reviews to support a more joined-up, inclusive approach across your school.

Download Now

Building confidence and consistency

Having the tools is one thing; embedding them into everyday practice is another.

To truly support inclusive learning, staff need:

Accessibility training to support inclusive practice

We offer practical accessibility training for schools, helping SENCOs, SLT, and teaching staff to:

When accessibility is built into everyday practice, it creates a learning environment where everyone can take part, contribute, and succeed.

Why We Love Gemini (And Why Your School Might Too)

So, what is Gemini?

Gemini is Google’s AI-powered assistant, built into tools many schools are already using, like Google Workspace. Think of it as a highly capable digital assistant that can:

But more importantly, it helps you and your team work smarter, not harder.

Safety, security and compliance  – what SLT need to know

When it comes to AI in schools, the first questions are always the right ones:

Is it safe? 

Where does the data go? 

Are we compliant?

Here’s how Gemini addresses those concerns in a school context.

Built with Google Workspace security at its core

Gemini sits within Google Workspace, meaning it follows the same enterprise-grade security model many schools already rely on.

That includes:

For SLT, this means Gemini isn’t a standalone tool, it’s part of a controlled, managed environment.

Your data isn’t used to train the model

One of the biggest concerns around AI is data usage. With Gemini for Workspace:

This is a key distinction from many public AI tools.

Admin control and governance

IT leaders and SLT retain control over how Gemini is used across the school.

Through admin settings, you can:

This allows you to introduce AI in a controlled and phased way, rather than opening it up all at once.

Supports safeguarding and responsible use

Gemini is designed with responsible AI principles in mind. That includes:

However, and this is important, AI should always be used alongside clear staff guidance and safeguarding awareness. Many schools are now:

Aligned with UK GDPR and education standards

Google Workspace (and therefore Gemini within it) is designed to support compliance with:

As with any tool, schools remain responsible for how it is used but Gemini fits within an existing, compliant ecosystem that many schools already trust.

The bottom line for SLT

Gemini is all about introducing capability within a secure framework you already manage. With the right controls, policies, and training in place, it can be adopted safely and responsibly across your school.

Why SLT teams are paying attention

1. It gives you time back (where it matters most)

One of the biggest pressures on SLT is time or more accurately, the lack of it. Gemini can take on the “heavy lifting” of first drafts, summaries, and admin tasks. For example:

That means less time starting from scratch… and more time focusing on people, strategy, and impact.

2. It supports better, faster decision-making

School leaders are constantly processing information – reports, data, safeguarding updates, staff feedback. Gemini helps by:

It doesn’t replace professional judgement, but it does give you a clearer starting point, faster.

3. It helps staff feel supported (not stretched)

It’s not just about SLT – it’s about your whole team. Gemini can help teachers and support staff with:

When staff feel less overwhelmed by admin, they have more energy for teaching and supporting pupils. And that has a direct impact on outcomes.

4. It improves consistency across your school

Consistency is one of the hardest things to achieve at scale. Gemini can help standardise:

This is especially valuable across MATs or growing schools where alignment matters.

5. It’s already where you work

For schools using Google Workspace, Gemini integrates into tools you already know like Docs, Gmail, and Slides. That means:

It fits into your existing workflows, rather than adding to them.

What does this look like in practice?

Here are a few simple ways SLT teams are starting to use Gemini:

Small wins, but they add up quickly.

A word of caution (and confidence)

Like any tool, Gemini works best when used thoughtfully.

It’s not about replacing expertise, it’s about enhancing it.

SLT oversight, professional judgement, and safeguarding awareness remain essential.

But when used well, Gemini becomes a powerful support tool, one that helps you move faster, with more clarity and less pressure.

Why we love Gemini

We love Gemini because it’s practical. It doesn’t promise to transform everything overnight but it does make everyday tasks easier, quicker, and more manageable.

And in a school environment, that matters. Because when you save time on admin… you create more time for people.

Questions to take back to your school

If you’re starting to explore AI, these are useful questions for SLT discussions:

These aren’t barriers, they’re starting points.

Embracing AI in education (practically, not perfectly)

AI isn’t going anywhere. The question isn’t if schools will use it, it’s how.

The schools seeing the most value aren’t trying to do everything at once. They’re:

That’s where tools like Gemini come into their own, not as a big transformation project, but as something that can be introduced gradually, with real, day-to-day impact.

How we can support your school

If you’re curious about how Gemini could support your school, start small:

The value becomes clear very quickly.

Final thought

School leadership will always be complex. But the tools you use can make a real difference.

Gemini isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing what matters, better.

If you’d like to explore how Gemini could work in your school environment, we’re always happy to have a conversation.

At Concero Education Technology, everything we do is rooted in people. Schools, staff, students and the communities that surround them. So when we find an opportunity to extend that impact beyond the classroom, it matters.

We’re proud to share that Concero is now supporting Edukid, a charity helping children who face barriers to education access school, essential resources and ongoing support.

Why Edukid?

Edukid is a charity that works to remove barriers to education for children living in poverty. Through sponsorship, they provide essentials like school fees, uniforms, and learning materials, things that many of us take for granted, but which can make all the difference.

For us, the alignment felt immediate.

As an organisation that was founded in education, by people working in schools, we understand just how transformative access to education can be. It’s not just about learning, it’s about opportunity, confidence, and future possibilities. 

What This Partnership Means

This initiative is about creating meaningful, tangible impact. Through our partnership with Edukid, we’ll be:

It’s important to us that this doesn’t feel distant or abstract. We want this to be something our community can connect with. Something real, human, and ongoing.

Our Goal: A Classroom in Peru

Through this partnership, we’re working towards sponsoring a full classroom of 30 children in Peru for a year.

To make that happen, we’re aiming to raise £11,000, fully funding the class for 12 months and giving those children consistent access to education and support.

Living Our Mission

We support schools and businesses every day, delivering secure, reliable and accessible technology that empowers teachers to teach, leaders to lead, and people to thrive.

Supporting access to education in this way is a natural extension of that mission.

It’s about taking what we believe in and applying it more widely, beyond infrastructure, beyond systems, and into real lives.

Get Involved

We’ve set up a fundraising page if you’d like to support, share, or learn more:

https://www.justgiving.com/page/concero-classroom

We’ll also be running additional fundraising initiatives throughout the year, and we’d love for you to be part of it.

Keep an eye out for updates, stories, and ways to get involved. Because education should be accessible to every child.

And together, we can help make that happen.

Frameworks & Accreditations

CCS
BETT
ERA
ICT
GDPR
CCS
BETT
ERA
ICT
GDPR
COVENANT
CONFIDENT

Partners & Ecosystem

Microsoft
Google
Cyber
NAHT
Nasen
Pixl
EduKid
Microsoft
Google
Cyber
NAHT
Nasen
Pixl
EduKid