Background

Gravesend Grammar School is a renowned educational institution located in Gravesend, a charming town in the county of Kent, United Kingdom. Situated on Wrotham Road, the school is easily accessible and serves as a hub of learning for the local community and beyond.

With a proud history dating back to its founding in 1893, Gravesend Grammar School has established itself as a leading institution for academic excellence. The school prides itself on its commitment to providing a nurturing and stimulating environment for its pupils.

Currently, Gravesend Grammar School caters to a diverse student body. The dedicated staff and faculty at the school are passionate about offering tailored education and empowering students to achieve their full potential.

Gravesend Grammar School’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its strong academic track record, as well as the wide range of extracurricular activities and opportunities it offers to its students. The school’s beautiful campus and state-of-the-art facilities provide an ideal setting for fostering creativity, personal growth, and lifelong learning.

Overall, Gravesend Grammar School stands as a beacon of educational excellence, providing a nurturing and inspiring environment for pupils to thrive and succeed.

Problem

Gravesend Grammar School faced a pressing problem – the need for a new phone system to keep up with their growing needs. The school’s in-house IT manager diligently searched for a company that could provide a comprehensive solution – from designing and supplying to installing and maintaining a top-notch 3CX system. The stakes were high, as the school required a seamless and efficient communication system to support its commitment to academic excellence and student success. It was crucial to find a partner who could not only meet their specific requirements but also provide exceptional service throughout the entire process.

Solution

MPR IT Solutions successfully implemented a comprehensive solution to address the pressing phone system needs of Gravesend Grammar School.

To minimise disruption to the staff and pupils, our team carefully planned and scheduled the project during the school holidays. Our fully DBS-checked team was able to efficiently design and install a network of 3CX phones throughout the school, ensuring a seamless and efficient communication system.

One of the key considerations during the implementation was to ensure that the administrative staff and teachers faced as little disruption as possible. Our team worked closely with them, understanding their specific needs and providing the necessary training and support. We also took into account the varying technology proficiency levels of the staff, ensuring that the solution catered to both those who required basic functionalities and those who were eager to embrace new technology.

Another important aspect of the implementation was the integration of voice messages and unified communications. We understood the significance of these features in enhancing communication and collaboration within the school community. By gradually adding these features, we ensured that the teachers were not disturbed during important tasks such as marking and after hours.

In terms of timeline, the transfer of the phone system took place in late July, specifically on the 21st, to minimise disruption during the exam period. The implementation phase continued from Thursday the 18th to the 25th of August, ensuring that the system was fully functional by the start of the new term on the 1st of September.

To meet the school’s requirements, we increased the number of phones to 30 with 8 lines. We also integrated the phone system with cloud platforms such as Google Calendars and Office 365 to streamline scheduling and enhance productivity. Additionally, we designed a call handling flow chart to ensure efficient routing of calls within the school. The auto-attendant feature at the reception, particularly for Whitehall Primary Phase 2, was given special importance to further enhance communication.

Results

With our tailored solution and attention to detail, MPR IT Solutions successfully implemented a robust phone system for Gravesend Grammar School, addressing their existing issues and providing a solid foundation for improved communication and collaboration.

MPR IT Solutions’ implementation of the 3CX VoIP system at Gravesend Grammar School has revolutionised their communication methods. The results of the project are as follows:

1. Telephony: The new VoIP system has provided the school with a reliable and efficient telephony network. The integration of the 3CX phones throughout the school ensures seamless communication between staff, students, and parents.
2. PBX: The implementation of a comprehensive PBX (Private Branch Exchange) system has enabled Gravesend Grammar School to manage its internal and external calls effectively. The PBX system allows for easy call routing and handling, improving overall communication efficiency.
3. SIP (Session Initiation Protocol): By adopting SIP technology, the school now can make and receive calls over the Internet. This has significantly reduced their telephony costs and provided greater flexibility in communication.
4. Scalability: The scalable nature of the 3CX VoIP system allows for easy expansion as the school grows. The system can accommodate additional phone lines and users without the need for extensive hardware upgrades.
5. Functionality: The 3CX VoIP system offers a wide range of features and functionalities that have enhanced communication at the school. Features such as voicemail, call forwarding, call recording, and auto-attendant have improved overall efficiency and productivity.
6. Software Integration: The integration of the phone system with cloud platforms such as Google Calendars and Office 365 has streamlined scheduling and improved productivity. Staff members can now easily manage their calendars and schedules, ensuring better coordination and communication.
7. Video Conferencing: The implementation of video conferencing capabilities has transformed the way Gravesend Grammar School conducts meetings and collaborations. With the ability to hold virtual meetings, staff members can connect and communicate effectively, regardless of their physical location.Overall, the 3CX VoIP integration has fundamentally changed the way Gravesend Grammar School communicates. The robust telephony network, PBX system, SIP technology, scalability, extensive functionality, software integration, and video conferencing capabilities have all contributed to improved communication, collaboration, and productivity within the school community.

Embrace the Future of Communication with 3CX and Microsoft Teams VoIP Systems

Is your school or business looking for a reliable and efficient communication solution? Look no further! At MPR IT Solutions, we specialise in implementing cutting-edge VoIP systems, including 3CX and Microsoft Teams. With these advanced solutions, your team can seamlessly make and receive calls, even when remote working. Say goodbye to downtime and embrace the future of communication. Contact us today to find out how we can revolutionise your communication infrastructure.