Access Education Vs IMP: What’s the best school management software?

In summary:

IMP Software provides tailored financial solutions specifically for multi-academy trusts (MATs) and their schools, focusing on automated data integration for accurate forecasting and centralised planning to ensure consistency across institutions.

In contrast, the Access Education suite offers a comprehensive suite of operational and curriculum tools designed for schools, MATs, and local authorities, featuring integrated budgeting and finance tools, HR tools, and parent communication tools that offer dynamic reporting capabilities. This makes Access Education another contender for the best school management software, particularly for those seeking robust functionality across multiple educational departments.

Both solutions allow for scenario planning, real-time financial visibility, and scalability; however, Access Education places a stronger emphasis on customisable reporting for local authority requirements. 

Determining the cost of software can often be challenging. Many providers don’t display clear pricing on their websites, requiring you to engage with a sales representative to discuss your needs and receive a customised proposal. For school leaders who are short on time and in the early stages of their software search, getting a rough cost estimate without unnecessary complexity is invaluable.

At Access Education, we’ve simplified this process with our ‘Access Education Suite Bundles.’ These bundles are designed to make pricing straightforward, offering cost-effective solutions tailored specifically for schools, trusts, and academies, making it a strong contender for best school management software. You get exceptional value without the complications of per-employee or per-pupil pricing.

Our bundles provide predictable costs per school, making budgeting and financial planning easier. Thanks to our price promise, you’ll enjoy better value compared to purchasing each module individually.

Here’s an overview of our three bundles:

• Financial Focus: Manage all your finances and budgets and operations seamlessly in one place.
• Thriving People: Oversee the recruitment, engagement, development, and retention of your staff efficiently.
• Freedom: Integrate the management of your finances and people, with additional value from extra modules.

Once you choose a bundle, you can select your desired add-on modules and support package. You’ll also benefit from discounts based on your contract duration, resulting in a fixed price per school that never changes - just one consistent bill.

IMP, though relatively new (founded in 2019), has quickly gained a solid customer base, with users praising the system's ease of use. IMP’s offering is straightforward: a planning tool that covers budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and trust-led curriculum planning (ICFP).

In contrast, Access Education has had more time to refine its solution, offering a comprehensive financial management system that’s part of a broader software suite. This includes HR, payroll, curriculum, and parental engagement tools. Access Education works not only with MATs but also with independent and state-maintained schools, as well as local authorities, to drive positive change across the education sector.

Bottom Line: Both solutions offer distinct advantages. We encourage you to thoroughly research both options to find the best fit for your institution.

Here are some key questions to guide your selection process and help you evaluate potential providers:

How responsive are they to your initial inquiry?

A provider’s response time can be an early indicator of their customer service standards. Quick and clear communication signals that they value your business and have robust support in place. This is crucial when looking for the best school management software.

Are they transparent about their development roadmap?

Understanding the provider’s future plans for product development is essential. It shows whether they are committed to continuous improvement and if their solutions will evolve to meet future challenges and regulatory requirements.

Do they offer clear and transparent pricing?

Ensure there are no hidden costs. The pricing structure should be straightforward, with clear breakdowns of what is included (e.g., setup fees, support, training, and updates).

How well do their solutions integrate with your current systems?

A good provider should offer seamless integration with your existing software (HR, payroll, etc.). Make sure their tools are compatible with the systems you're already using to avoid costly disruptions.

What level of customer support is available post-purchase?

It's vital to know how accessible support will be once you've implemented the solution. Check if they offer dedicated account managers, 24/7 support, or online resources like FAQs and knowledge bases.

Can the provider scale with your institution’s growth?

If you're part of a multi-academy trust (MAT) or planning to expand, it's important to assess whether the provider's solutions are scalable. Can they easily onboard new academies or handle increased complexity as your needs grow?

Do they offer training and onboarding support?

Ask about their training and onboarding processes. A good provider should offer comprehensive training to ensure that your team can use the software efficiently from day one.

What is their track record with similar institutions?

Request case studies or testimonials from schools or trusts like yours. Providers with experience in your sector will have a better understanding of the specific challenges you face and will be better equipped to offer tailored solutions.

How customisable are their solutions?

Your institution may have unique needs. Find out how flexible their software is in terms of customisation, ensuring you can tailor it to meet your financial management processes and reporting requirements.

Do they comply with industry regulations?

Ensure that the provider’s solutions are compliant with industry standards and regulations (such as ESFA and DfE in the UK). Compliance will be critical for accurate reporting and ensuring your institution meets its financial obligations.

Do they offer a ‘buy now, pay later’ scheme if you still have an existing contract?

A green flag for any software provider is their willingness to accommodate your current commitments. Offering a ‘buy now, pay later’ option means you won’t have to pay for your new solution until your existing contract ends.

By considering these factors, you'll gain a clearer understanding of how well a software provider aligns with your institution’s financial goals, helping you make a more informed and confident decision when selecting the best school management software for your needs.

Choosing between IMP Software and Access Education ultimately depends on your institution’s specific needs. For multi-academy trusts looking for a solution tailored to trust-wide financial planning, IMP offers focused, MAT-specific tools designed to support evolving requirements. This makes it a strong contender for the best school management software for MATs seeking specialised financial solutions.

On the other hand, Access Education provides a robust, all-in-one suite tailored to MATs, LA-maintained schools, independent, and international schools. With solution families spanning financial management, people management, curriculum and assessment, and parental engagement, Access Education offers a comprehensive, scalable system ideal for institutions that value an integrated approach. As a versatile solution, Access Education is also a leading option when considering the best school management software.

Both options empower schools with real-time insights and strategic planning features, but only you can decide which best aligns with your vision. Take the time to research, weigh your options, and make the choice that best supports your institution’s future.

Don’t forget to check out our pricing bundles page, and don’t hesitate to get in touch if you’d like to know more.