Cidari Multi Academy Trust Case Study

Cidari MAT Communications Case Study

Transforming Communication and Connectivity Across 15 Schools

How Tel Group transformed Cidari’s HQ and 15 schools communications and connectivity with a scalable, unified and fully integrated telephony and broadband infrastructure upgrade.

THE CLIENT

Cidari MAT oversees 15 schools across the North West, united by a shared ethos and vision for excellence. The trust is dedicated to ensuring every child can thrive, supported by strong leadership, high-quality teaching and a safe, well connected digital learning environment.

THE SITUATION

Cidari recognised the urgent need to modernise its communication and connectivity across the trust. Schools were relying on inconsistent broadband services and outdated telephone systems, creating operational inefficiencies and increasing risks to safeguarding, compliance and teaching continuity.

With digital reliance continuing to grow, the trust required a standardised, scalable and cost-effective solution that would deliver reliable performance, align with Department for Education digital standards and support future expansion.

Cidari approached Tel Group looking for a unified approach that would:

Deliver fast and dependable communication
Provide seamless internal and external communication
Minimise network disruption and downtime
Scale easily as the trust continues to grow
Give staff confidence in their connectivity and telephony

THE RESULT

Tel Group implemented a trust-wide modernisation strategy focusing first on broadband and telephony, delivering fast, reliable communication across every academy.

Broadband Upgrade

✅ Phased implementation aligned with contract renewal dates
✅ Leased lines, FTTP and SoGEA deployed to deliver fast, resilient connectivity across school locations
✅ Internal network upgraded with new servers, Cat6 cabling and PoE switches
✅ Smoothwall filtering and enhanced firewalls introduced to strengthen safeguarding

The result: All 15 academies and the trust HQ now benefit from a unified, DfE-compliant connectivity infrastructure delivering 99.9% uptime and faster, more reliable access for staff and students.

VoIP Telephony Transformation

✅ Migrated all schools to a cloud-based VoIP system
✅ Integrated emergency lockdown for rapid response
✅ Centralised administration for easier management
✅ Remote & onsite maintenance and support for faster fixes and configuration changes
✅ Retained existing phone numbers for seamless transition

The result: Fast, reliable communication every day, improving operational efficiency.

Additional Solutions Provided

Alongside communication and connectivity upgrades, Tel Group strengthened Cidari’s wider IT foundation:

✅ On-Site and Remote ICT Support
✅ Strategic ICT Management
✅ Cyber Security
✅ CCTV
✅ Door Access Control
✅ Server, Backup and Infrastructure Upgrades

Cidari Multi Academy Trust

Connect the Classroom Testimonial

As part of the DfE Connect the Classroom scheme, we partnered with Tel Group to upgrade the cabling and Wi-Fi at two of our eligible schools. From the outset, their team demonstrated exceptional professionalism, ensuring a smooth installation of our Wi-Fi solution.

When we later decided to expand our network as part of a self-funded initiative, Tel Group provided expert advice and seamless integration, ensuring our infrastructure aligned with our budget and long-term goals.

Following this success, Tel Group was awarded the contract to upgrade cabling across our remaining 14 schools for Telephony, Wi-Fi, Door Access, CCTV, and Lockdown Solutions. Their expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to delivering high-quality work made the entire process efficient and hassle-free.

Matt McIver- COO

Tel Group supports your school’s entire technology infrastructure

From ICT to communication and security systems, we empower schools and trusts with cost effective, integrated and future proof technology that strengthens operations, safeguarding and digital learning.

Explore All Services