Independent Schools - What MIS are you using?

[CyBeRkId2002]

As the title really. Been through the procurement process with a state school, but the complications of finance / fees seem to limit the field significantly.

 

If anyone could briefly offer up what you are using, what finance system (if separate) and a brief summary are whether you are happy it would be much appreciated.

[TechMonkey]

We use iSAMS and iFinance (AccountsIQ).

iSAMS is a funny one in that they did a bit of a SIMS on a smaller scale, were the market leader and didn't really move forward, partly as I think because they were so far ahead to start with. They are making up for that now and the future looks good, but they aren't there yet so we will have to see. It is not a bad option, just that there are some niggly bits that don't satisfy. They seem to flip flop between "we offer the data store and management and you should get a third party to do anything else if you aren't happy", and "we are a one stop shop for what you need". If I have understood properly, they are doing a big migration to a new platform but doing it in such a way you don't have to do anything or notice, except you get a new interface. This is bit by bit with new modules.

 

The other option I know of is WCBS HUBmis, but no idea about it. Was with WCBS on their older product and it was a pain and they did some really funny (odd, not ha ha) things.

[Katy]

We're iSAMS, with Access Dimensions for the finance system (no idea what it's proper name is, the company is Access Group (of My School Portal etc fame), and we use Focalpoint (web based ordering/expenses) and Dimensions (full fat client for doing the accounts). Can't comment on Access but we've found iSAMS to be good, been using it since about 2016 maybe?

 

Previously used Doublefirst Engage, Phoenix e1 and Phoenix Gold. I think e1 was my favourite (web based, back in 2008) but that doesn't exist any more.

 

We recently moved from self-hosted iSAMS to their cloud hosted, not really noticed any difference in speed or uptime since moving over around November last year.

 

Edit: I should add, we use iSAMS to raise the fee invoices and this has a connector that makes them appear in Dimensions.

[DODICT]

I had some interesting conversations with Veracross who are looking to build a UK presence and looks a decent fully featured product - they have a decent footprint in US and Aus - I have looked and heard a lot about ISAMs and seems far from ideal so might be well worth a look. From what users tell me about ISAMs I wouldnt be looking to adopt it but appreciate there hasnt been a lot of choice.

[DWilson1997]

We use SIMS currently, and looking at a range including iSAMS. I know some ind schools looked at Arbour/Bromcom and then looked at 3rd party fee billing systems.

[CyBeRkId2002]

Thanks very much for all the responses! All really useful. Doesn't seem to be a standout so going to have to look at all options very carefully indeed.

[Jamman960]

Current school/Trust is using Sims Independent, I moved my previous school from Sims to Engage MIS, I preferred it to sims but the migration took a good amount of effort

[BucksITguy]

iSams and iFinance here

[Danp]

iSams and iFinance here

 

Same, 6 x prep schools and I'm working to move the latest school to join our trust over to isams in the next few weeks.

[lmrogers]

Migrated to Furlong SchoolBase this year and it has been a dream, easiest MIS I've ever come across. Still using Sage for accounts but there doesn't seem to be a desire from our accounts department to change that as yet. Integration between the 2 is all good though and works really well. I'm happy with the solution.

[midweek]

iSams and iFinance here

 

We are iSAMS but the Finance team are refusing to move to iFinance from PASS because "we've heard it's crap" (paraphrasing but not by much!).

 

How do your finance team find iFinance?

[MrsEdi]

We have the same setup as ours. iSAMS and iFinance. Edited February 25, 2025 by MrsEdi

[MrsEdi]

We are iSAMS but the Finance team are refusing to move to iFinance from PASS because "we've heard it's crap" (paraphrasing but not by much!).

 

How do your finance team find iFinance?

 

We moved from PASS to iFinance after over 13+ years of using PASS. The Finance team are extremely happy with the new solution.

[ecompton]

We are using iSAMS and PASS but I'm actively looking for alternatives to ISAMS, it's looking extremely clunky and outdated in comparison to some of the MIS I've seen out there.

I'd be very interested to hear from anyone using Bromcom, Engage, Compass or HubMIS (in an Independent school) as to what their experience is like!

[MrsEdi]

We are using iSAMS and PASS but I'm actively looking for alternatives to ISAMS, it's looking extremely clunky and outdated in comparison to some of the MIS I've seen out there.

I'd be very interested to hear from anyone using Bromcom, Engage, Compass or HubMIS (in an Independent school) as to what their experience is like!

 

Perhaps you could create a new thread. I am very interested to hear about other MIS's out there for independent sector.