Jisc-negotiated software licensing saved schools over £1.3m in 2024
Packages offer significant savings to schools, Multi Academy Trusts (MATs) and sixth form colleges with more than 100 staff.
A discounted licensing agreement with improved terms, enabling schools to access a comprehensive range of Microsoft software and cloud services, delivered impressive savings for schools over the course of 2024.
The savings figure follows a recent government announcement setting out expectations for schools and colleges to meet six digital standards by 2030, aiming to narrow the current digital divide in accessing reliable, safe technology.
The Microsoft Enrolment for Education Solutions (EES) Agreement is available as a three year license to schools with more than 100 staff, rather than the usual 1,000 required. Available through resellers via Jisc’s Chest platform, it offers staff and student access at a lower price normally only available to larger educational sites of more than 3,000 staff.
When compared to the costs involved in obtaining an equivalent license independently, the 537 schools who registered for licenses through this route in 2024 collectively saved over £1.3m. With an estimated 4,100 secondary schools in the UK and 1,150 MATs, there are likely to be many more institutions who could benefit staff and students through this improved licensing agreement.
The Ridgeway Education Trust in South Oxfordshire has Jisc Licensing Chest procured licenses in place across its eight schools and one sixth form college. Rachael Warwick, CEO, comments:
“As a Trust, we have significantly benefited from the software licensing agreements negotiated by Jisc. These agreements have not only provided us with access to a broader suite of Microsoft tools and functionality, but they have also enabled us to streamline and scale our digital infrastructure. This has been particularly valuable in supporting the smooth integration of several primary schools into our Trust, all operating on the Microsoft platform.”
Caren Milloy, director of licensing at Jisc, adds:
"At Jisc Licensing, our goal is to help the education sector access the tools it needs at the best possible value. The Microsoft EES Agreement available via Jisc's Chest platform is a prime example of how collective negotiation can unlock pricing and terms usually reserved for much larger institutions.
"These savings don’t just protect budgets, they free up resources that schools can reinvest into teaching, learning, and improving digital infrastructure for staff and students alike."
To enquire about the Microsoft Enrolment for Education Solutions (EES) Agreement, schools should contact their preferred reseller via the Chest platform.