Future-Proofing Communications for Hatton Academies Trust
The Disconnect
Meet Hatton Academies Trust. A forward-thinking multi-academy trust operating across four sites, dedicated to providing high-quality education. Each of the trust’s schools had been relying on separate, outdated PBX systems, supplied and supported by different providers. With ISDN lines due to be switched off, the trust faced mounting challenges around reliability, cost, and consistency. It became clear that they needed to centralise communications under a single supplier and adopt a modern, cloud-based system to future-proof operations across all sites.
The Answer
Connaught was appointed as the trust’s chosen supplier, with the team impressed by Xelion’s all-inclusive licence model. The fixed pricing structure gave the Trust confidence in long-term budgeting, while the platform’s scalability ensured new schools could be seamlessly added as the Trust continues to grow.
The rollout covered 180 Xelion users across all sites, with a tailored mix of handsets deployed in receptions, executive offices, and classrooms. With Xelion’s all-inclusive approach, every feature is included as standard, allowing the system to be tailored to the Trust’s core requirements at no extra cost.
Call recording now supports the Trust’s safeguarding commitments, while mobile apps and softphones keep staff connected when working across multiple sites. Each site benefits from auto attendants and queue position announcements, helping to streamline call management. Integration with Microsoft 365 has simplified everyday tasks, and additional tools such as instant messaging, reporting, and analytics have boosted collaboration and visibility across the Trust.
The Results; Loud and Clear
Connaught developed a full project plan to manage the phased rollout across all four schools. This included liaising with existing suppliers to ensure a smooth transition, as well as delivering training at each site to equip staff with the skills to use the new system confidently. The IT team are able to manage the system centrally using Xelion’s intuitive admin portal, whilst receiving continued support by Connaught.
The result was a seamless trust-wide rollout that has given the Trust a reliable and consistent communications platform. Staff are delighted with the flexibility and ease of use, and the trust is already preparing to extend the system to additional schools as they join - ensuring their communications remain unified and future ready.
