We have an in-house setup too, mifare cards using an Evolis Primacy card printer. We have this setup in all schools and the admin team take care of it.
Cunninghams IDStore is used to print student cards and Paxton for staff. We buy pre-printed cards with the school logo/important information at the back and only print identifiable personal data inc pic. Pre-printed lanyards with lobster clip for students and retractable reel for staff.
Mifare cards are used for catering, door access, InVentry and library. Student cards also used for exam verification.
We’ve had this setup since 2018 and no problems whatsoever, it just works really well.