About Newman Catholic College
Newman Catholic College is a dedicated secondary school in Harlesden, London, committed to providing a high-quality education rooted in its strong inclusive ethos. Serving a diverse community, the college focuses on fostering an environment where every student is encouraged to achieve academic excellence and personal growth, preparing them for the challenges of higher education and the modern workforce.
The challenge
As Newman Catholic College looked to expand its digital learning initiatives, it became clear that its legacy IT infrastructure was a significant barrier. The school struggled with inconsistent Wi-Fi coverage in older parts of the building, which prevented teachers from reliably using tablets and online resources during lessons. Furthermore, their aging phone system was costly to maintain and lacked the modern features required for efficient staff collaboration and parental engagement.
The solution
We designed and delivered a comprehensive Educational Infrastructure Overhaul that prioritized security, reliability, and ease of use.
First, we deployed a Managed Multi-Gigabit Wireless Network, utilizing high-density access points to ensure 100% signal coverage across the entire campus, including gyms and outdoor spaces. To modernize their communications, we migrated the college to a Microsoft Teams-integrated Phone System. This allowed staff to communicate seamlessly via their laptops or mobile devices, reducing the need for expensive physical hardware.
To ensure student safety, we implemented a sophisticated Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) and advanced web filtering. This solution provides the IT team with granular control over network traffic, ensuring that the college remains compliant with all Department for Education (DfE) safeguarding and “Prevent” duty requirements.
The results
The college now enjoys a “borderless” digital learning experience. Teachers can move between classrooms without losing connectivity, and students can access high-bandwidth educational videos and interactive platforms without lag.
The move to a cloud-based telephony system has significantly reduced monthly line rental costs, with the savings being redirected toward classroom technology. Most importantly, the school’s leadership team now has the peace of mind that their network is protected by industry-leading security protocols.
“The transformation of our IT infrastructure has been remarkable. The reliability of the network has empowered our staff to innovate in the classroom, and the new communication system has made staying in touch with our parents easier than ever. It is a vital step forward in our mission to provide the best possible education for our students.”