At Elementary Technology, we believe that great ideas have the power to shape entire networks. That’s why we welcomed Great Heights Multi-Academy Trust to our Experience Centre for a dedicated workshop on how technology can elevate teaching and learning across their schools.

Drawing on lessons from Keelham Primary School’s EdTech transformation, the day was designed to help school leaders explore, reflect, and plan their own journey towards a connected and effective digital ecosystem.

A Day of Collaboration and Vision

The morning began with Dr Fiona Aubrey-Smith setting the scene, highlighting how the right technology can empower teachers, support staff, and pupils alike.

Following an introduction from Rob Hunter, attendees moved into a roundtable discussion, focusing on the vision for EdTech across Great Heights Trust.

Each school then took to our interactive touchscreens to map out their challenges, needs, and aspirations. By sharing insights, they began to see common themes emerge, helping to define what a successful technology strategy could look like for their schools.

The session concluded with a forward-thinking approach. Introducing the Classroom Healthcheck to assess where each school currently stands with EdTech and laying the groundwork for six tailored training sessions to support teachers in making the most of their tools.

Common Challenges

Schools within the trust highlighted recurring barriers, including:

• Staff confidence and training gaps – Teachers and support staff wanted to feel more empowered with EdTech.
• Budget constraints – Some schools had aging or underutilised technology and needed cost-effective solutions.
• Tech integration in lessons – Many schools were using devices primarily for computing lessons, missing out on their wider potential.
• SEND support – Schools sought better ways to use technology to engage and support SEND pupils.

Aspirations and Next Steps

Despite these challenges, schools shared a clear ambition for how technology could transform learning:

• Streamlining technology use – Ensuring that staff find EdTech easy to use and accessible.
• Enhancing engagement – From live feedback tools to immersive learning, schools wanted to bring lessons to life.
• Building digital confidence – Supporting every teacher, not just computing leads, to integrate technology effectively.

Turning Vision into Action

Since the workshop, we’ve visited each Great Heights school to conduct Classroom Healthchecks, providing a detailed picture of their existing technology, how it is being used, and the support staff need to make the most of it.

We’re now working closely with each school to tailor their EdTech journey, ensuring they receive the right training, support, and solutions to turn their ambitions into reality.

As the Great Heights Trust moves forward, the lessons from Keelham Primary School continue to provide inspiration. By working together, schools across the network will be embedding tech in a way that will have long-term benefits for teaching, learning, and school efficiency.