Overview
Corpus Christi Catholic College is a secondary school within a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) comprising eight schools, 3,000 students, and 400 staff. Faced with challenges stemming from outdated technology, the Trust required a modern communication solution that could improve efficiency, reduce costs, and meet safeguarding standards. The Trust had relied on an on-site PBX system which faced challenges with frequent issues and downtime — a challenge that had to be addressed in order to adhere to Department for Education (DfE) standards.
Challenge
The previous on-site PBX phone system was outdated, unreliable and difficult to manage, requiring IT staff to sign into separate networks and reboot the system out of hours. Downtime was a serious issue, particularly in meeting safeguarding requirements where communication with parents and staff must be immediate. As Martin Wharton, the IT Manager, explains, “There should be no reason for systems to be down. Parents and staff need to reach the school, especially in emergencies.” Additionally, the Trust was keen to consolidate communication costs across its eight sites and improve cross-school collaboration while saving money.
Solution
Gradwell’s 3CX cloud-based solution was the ideal choice due to its flexibility, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness. “I have used 3CX provided by Gradwell in another Trust, and the experience had been excellent,” said Martin Wharton. Gradwell’s ability to offer a competitive price and the simplicity of administering the system made it a standout option. 3CX allows for one-click management of system changes, eliminating the need for complex network access or downtime for updates.
Additionally, 3CX provided features like call recording, voicemail notifications, call tracking, and Click-to-Call—tools essential to improve efficiency and safeguarding. The system also links to the school’s gate entry system, adding further security and system integration benefits to reduce IT complexity.
Implementation
Staff quickly adapted to the new system’s user-friendly web client, which allows for real-time monitoring of who is available, reducing the need for guesswork in communication. The ‘single pane of glass’ views simplified administration and support, allowing IT staff to easily manage users and troubleshoot from one location.
‘’Implementation across all schools in the Trust was faultless. Gradwell’s team demonstrated how the 3CX system could be integrated into the Trust’s daily operations, with minimal disruption’’ Martin Wharton, IT Manager.
Results
The move to Gradwell’s 3CX system has transformed communication within the Trust. The Trust has seen a 50% reduction in overall communication costs thanks to consolidating its system across all eight schools. Downtime, once a regular issue, has been drastically reduced, with Martin noting, “It’s made life massively easier. We’ve gone from waiting days for parts to being able to fix issues in minutes.”
Additionally, the system has improved safeguarding by offering call recording and tracking features, making it easier to monitor and review calls. The service consistency between Gradwell and the other schools was another key factor in the Trust’s decision, with positive feedback further reinforcing the choice.
Conclusion.
Gradwell’s 3CX system has provided Corpus Christi Catholic College and the wider Trust with a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective communication solution. With a 50% cost reduction, better onboarding processes, and improved communication across all staff, the Trust has been able to modernise its infrastructure while ensuring the safety of its students and staff. “We now have a system that works for us, not against us,” said Martin, summing up the impact of the 3CX solution.
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