What’s the role of MIS in schools today?

In the 1980s, Management Information Systems (MIS) were introduced in schools primarily to streamline administrative tasks. Teachers welcomed these systems as time-saving tools, helping them manage attendance, grades, and reports more efficiently. However, in today’s educational landscape, MIS solutions play a much larger role.

Government bodies and academy leaders now demand more detailed insights into student performance and attendance, but for many teachers, data entry has become burdensome. The original promise of saving time has given way to the feeling that MIS systems create more work.

This shift presents an opportunity for edtech businesses looking to grow in the UK market. How can they develop MIS solutions that both reduce administrative strain and meet the diverse needs of modern schools? How can they support schools in reaching other critical goals, such as achieving Net Zero carbon targets?

What Schools Need From Their MIS

To better understand the needs of schools, we’ve spoken with headteachers about what’s required from an MIS in today’s world. They highlighted the following:

1. Everyone needs to be able to use it whenever they want, however they want – A modern MIS must offer flexibility. Teachers, administrators, parents, and students should all be able to access the system easily, from any device.
2. It’s not just about staff anymore – Parents and students expect to be able to access key school information. An effective MIS should serve the entire school community, not just staff.
3. You need to prove you’re getting value for money – With increasing budget pressures, schools need systems that show clear cost benefits, whether through efficiency gains or improvements in student outcomes.
4. It needs to make life easier every day – If an MIS doesn’t reduce workload and streamline processes, it’s not doing its job.
5. It has to support your School Development Plan – Schools need systems that help them track and meet long-term goals, such as improving student attainment and managing resources effectively.
6. It can’t be unnecessarily complicated – Simplicity is key. If the system is hard to use, staff won’t engage with it, reducing its effectiveness.
7. Support Net Zero Goals – Schools are increasingly looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. A cloud-based MIS can eliminate the need for energy-intensive hardware, reduce the need for air-conditioned server rooms, and help schools monitor their resource use more efficiently.

The Role of MIS in Sustainability

Choosing the right MIS can do more than streamline administration—it can also support schools in achieving their sustainability goals. Here’s how:

1. Eliminate On-Site Servers and Reduce Energy Use
   Traditional MIS setups often rely on on-site servers that consume significant amounts of electricity. These servers need cooling, meaning air-conditioned server rooms, which increase energy consumption further. By switching to cloud-based MIS systems, schools can remove the need for energy-hungry hardware, thereby saving on electricity costs and reducing their carbon footprint. Cloud services are typically hosted in energy-efficient data centres, which are often optimised for lower emissions.
2. Reduce Paper Usage
   Many schools still rely on paper-based processes for attendance, communications with parents, and even assessments. A good MIS can centralise these functions digitally, reducing the need for paper, ink, and physical storage space. Over time, this contributes to a significant reduction in resource use and waste, helping schools to meet their environmental targets.
3. Monitor and Control Energy Usage
   Some MIS systems offer integrations that allow schools to track and report on their energy consumption, helping school leaders monitor resource usage more effectively. Whether it’s monitoring heating systems, lighting, or IT equipment, integrating energy monitoring into an MIS can provide valuable insights that lead to better decision-making and more efficient use of resources.
4. Smarter Procurement and Spending
   An MIS that includes budget monitoring and reporting features can help schools make more informed procurement decisions, including opting for more energy-efficient technology and equipment. The ability to monitor spending in real-time also allows schools to allocate resources to sustainability projects, such as energy-saving lighting or renewable energy installations, aligning with their Net Zero targets.

Recommendations for Edtech Businesses

For edtech companies, the demands of schools create opportunities to innovate and deliver MIS solutions that support not just operational efficiency, but also sustainability goals. Here are some key considerations and recommendations for edtech businesses:

1. Design for Accessibility and Flexibility

Today’s MIS must be accessible to everyone, from anywhere, on any device. Cloud-based solutions are not only more flexible but also offer environmental benefits by reducing the need for local servers. Make sure your system is optimised for mobile use, and ensure it’s easy to integrate into schools’ existing processes.

2. Highlight the Environmental Benefits

With many schools working towards Net Zero, promoting the sustainability benefits of your MIS can be a powerful differentiator. Demonstrate how moving to your cloud-based system can help schools reduce energy consumption, save on paper, and eliminate the need for physical server infrastructure.

Consider creating case studies that show how switching to your MIS has helped schools cut down on energy usage and streamline their operations in a more environmentally friendly way.

3. Provide Measurable Value

Schools are under constant pressure to make every penny count. Offer detailed data that shows the financial and operational benefits of your system, from time saved to reductions in resource use. Help schools make the case to their governors that an investment in your MIS will pay for itself in terms of reduced overheads and more efficient processes.

4. Support Schools’ Development Plans

An MIS is more than just a tool for tracking attendance or grades. The most effective systems help schools monitor their progress towards key development goals. Consider integrating features that support long-term planning and resource management, giving schools the data they need to make better decisions in line with their strategic objectives.

5. Keep It Simple

Complicated systems don’t get used. The more intuitive your MIS is, the more likely staff are to adopt it. Focus on user-friendly design and ensure your system doesn’t overwhelm users with unnecessary features. Provide clear, concise training and support to ensure staff at all levels can make the most of your solution.

Evolving With Schools’ Needs: Beyond the 80s

The role of MIS has come a long way since the 80s. What was once a tool for basic administrative tasks is now a critical part of how schools operate, plan, and manage their resources. For edtech businesses, understanding these evolving needs is key to success in the competitive UK market.

By focusing on usability, sustainability, and measurable value, businesses can offer solutions that meet the challenges of today’s schools while also supporting long-term goals. Schools need systems that make their lives easier, not more complicated, and that contribute to both their educational and environmental goals.

As schools continue to evolve, so too must their MIS solutions. For edtech companies willing to adapt and innovate, the opportunities for growth are significant – but only if you’re offering solutions that help schools work smarter, not harder, and greener, not just faster.