Bosses at an education trust in Shropshire say they are continuing to invest in its schools to ensure children are learning in environments that are “fit for today and ready for the future”.
Four Hills Education Trust has undertaken work at Albrighton Primary School to improve the school’s digital and network infrastructure, an essential but often unseen part of everyday school life.
The Trust said like many schools across the country, parts of the existing system had become increasingly unreliable and no longer able to support the way teaching, learning and school operations now work.
Kirsty Osman, CEO of Four Hills Education Trust, said in modern classrooms, technology played an important role in supporting high‑quality teaching. From lesson planning and attendance systems to online resources and communication, reliable connectivity helps schools to run smoothly and allows teachers to focus on what matters most – teaching and learning.
Work has already been completed on the first phase of a planned three‑phase programme to modernise the school’s network infrastructure.
This initial work has strengthened the foundations of the system, including upgrading cabling, improving site‑wide connectivity and installing new network equipment to deliver faster and more reliable performance across the school.
The project has been supported by a strong working partnership with Telford & Wrekin IDT, whose expertise has helped ensure the work was delivered effectively and with minimal disruption to the school.
With this groundwork now in place, the Trust will move into the next phases of the project, further improving capacity, resilience and future readiness. This will support the school as technology continues to evolve and ensure staff and pupils can depend on systems that work consistently and effectively.
Kirsty said: “I am deeply passionate about the importance of technology in schools and the difference it can make to both teaching and learning. Every school and every child deserves to benefit from continued investment in their technology infrastructure.
“When schools are properly supported, technology becomes an enabler rather than a frustration, supporting teachers to deliver great teaching and helping children access rich, engaging learning experiences.
“This investment is about fairness, opportunity and making sure no school is held back by infrastructure that no longer meets the needs of today’s classrooms.”
Headteacher Karen Tearle welcomed the improvements and reflected on the difference the investment will make for the whole school community.
“Before joining Four Hills Education Trust, our school experienced unpredictable connectivity, which at times made teaching more challenging for staff who increasingly rely on technology as part of everyday practice,” she said.
“At Albrighton our priority has always been to create the best possible environment for learning, and this update to our IT systems plays a key role in that.
“The strengthened infrastructure and improved connectivity are already making day‑to‑day communication and learning more effective and reliable.
“This achievement reflects the dedication and support that we have received from the Trust and our IT Strategic Leader, Darren Booth, who continuously go above and beyond to ensure our school keeps moving forward for the benefit of every child.”
