The Access Group
Who we are
At Access Education, we understand the unique challenges faced by multi-academy trusts. Managing multiple schools efficiently, ensuring compliance, and driving strategic growth - while keeping costs under control - requires the right technology. That’s why over 50% of academies trust Access Education as their software partner.
Our purpose is simple: to empower MATs with industry-leading education software that reduces workload, streamlines operations, and enables expansion without the need for additional headcount. We are the only provider offering comprehensive software bundles tailored specifically for MATs, combining
finance,
HR,
parental engagement, and
curriculum and assessment to give your trust the freedom to do more.
Designed for Trusts, Built by Experts
We know that every trust has different needs, which is why our software solutions are developed by education specialists who understand the complexities of managing multiple schools. Whether you’re looking to improve financial oversight, centralise HR processes, enhance parental communication, or support better teaching and learning, Access Education provides the tools you need—all from a single trusted supplier.
Why Trusts Choose Access Education
One Platform, One Contract, One Price
We simplify procurement and budgeting with a transparent, per-school pricing model, so trusts can focus on delivering educational excellence rather than managing multiple suppliers.
Scalability without the overheads
Our software enables MATs to expand seamlessly, supporting growth without increasing administrative burden. Automation, integrations, and centralised dashboards ensure greater efficiency across schools.
Complete visibility across your Trust
From financial management to HR and curriculum planning, our solutions give you a holistic view of trust-wide performance, helping you make data-driven decisions that drive better outcomes.
Trusted by Over 50% of Academies
MATs choose Access Education because they know our solutions are built for them. Our software is tried, tested, and proven to help schools and trusts operate more effectively.
"We needed a solution that streamlined our processes and saved us time, money, and effort. Access Education delivered all of that and more.”
Steve Parkinson, Business Director, Vale Federation
What we do
The future of MAT management starts here
Access Education is more than just software; we’re a strategic partner helping MATs build a more efficient, financially sustainable, and high-performing trust. Let us help you put education first—while we take care of the rest.
Our software is designed especially for multi-academy trusts
Intuitive. User-friendly. Impactful. Our suite of software for multi-academy trusts allows you to:
- Centralise all operational systems into one platform utilising software specifically designed for the education sector
- Reduce manual processes to speed up operations
- Improve the quality of education across your trust
What We Offer
Financial Focus – Take control of trust-wide budgeting and finance with software that simplifies reporting, compliance, and forecasting.
Thriving People – Centralise HR processes, streamline payroll, and enhance staff wellbeing with tools that attract, retain, and engage your people.
Freedom – The all-in-one bundle, providing finance, HR, payroll, and curriculum management in a single solution designed to give your trust complete operational oversight.
What Our Customers Say
Access Education Finance and Budgets isn’t just helping Little Way Catholic Educational Trust navigate today’s challenges—it’s laying the groundwork for sustainable growth. As Kevin, CFO at the trust, puts it:
"Access gives us confidence. It’s intuitive, reliable, and secure—everything you need to manage a trust’s finances effectively. It’s exactly what we need.”
For Delta Academies Trust, Access Education Budgets has been the perfect fit, meeting specific needs such as term-time percentage calculations and last-minute fund profiling. As Senior Finance Manager David explains:
"Access has worked well for us… we haven’t felt the need to switch.”
Meanwhile, Aquilla Trust has chosen Access for Finance, Budgets, HR, and Payroll, ensuring a fully integrated solution. Head of Payroll, Naomi Jackman, highlights the smooth transition:
"It’s easy to use, always evolving, and meets the needs of the trust.”
The Vale Federation has also experienced the impact of Access Education software first-hand:
"We’ve had new staff tell us, ‘This is the best system I’ve ever used! So much easier than what we had in my last school.’ That kind of feedback speaks volumes.”
Ready to see how Access Education can transform your trust’s operations?
Book a software review meeting with our experts, and let’s build a roadmap to optimise efficiency across your organisation.
How we help
At Access Education, we are more than just a software provider—we are a dedicated partner to school trusts, committed to enhancing education, streamlining operations, and supporting long-term sustainability. Our solutions are designed with trusts in mind, helping to reduce workload, improve efficiency, and enable growth without additional administrative burden.
Paperless Pioneers: Supporting the Drive to Sustainable Schools
We recognise the importance of sustainability in education. Our cloud-based software eliminates the need for excessive printing, helping schools and trusts transition to paperless operations. By digitising finance, HR, payroll, budgeting, and parental engagement processes, we not only save time and resources but also contribute to a greener future.
Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond software—by supporting schools in reducing their environmental impact, we help create a more efficient and responsible education sector.
A Culture of Giving Back
At The Access Group, charity is at the heart of our organisation. We actively support communities, empowering our teams to make a difference. Through our Giving Back initiative:
- Every pound our staff raises is matched by The Access Group, doubling the impact.
- Employees are given dedicated leave to volunteer in local schools and education projects.
- The Access Foundation helps bridge the digital divide, funding projects that improve access to technology and learning.
This deep-rooted culture of giving ensures that we don’t just provide software—we actively contribute to improving education and creating opportunities for all.
Supporting Education Leaders with Insights and Innovation
Beyond software, we provide valuable resources and expert guidance to help school trusts navigate the ever-evolving education landscape:
- AI in Education Hub – A dedicated space for exploring how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of learning. Discover more here.
- Resource Hub – A comprehensive library of insights, reports, and expert advice tailored to schools, academies, and trusts. Explore our resources.
- Education Blog – Regular thought leadership, best practices, and real-world case studies from education experts. Read more.
At Access Education, we go beyond providing software—we partner with trusts to create a more efficient, sustainable, and impactful education system. Whether through digital transformation, charitable initiatives, or expert-led resources, our goal is to empower trusts to focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional education.
