Education Authority Launches New School Management System Across Northern Ireland

The Education Authority (EA) has launched a new digital system that will improve how schools across Northern Ireland manage information and communicate with families.

The Bromcom School Management System (SMS) will be rolled out to all schools in phases, with the full transition expected to be complete by March 2027. It has been developed through EA's Education Information Solutions (EdIS) programme in partnership with Bromcom, and co-designed with schools to reflect the needs of teachers, parents and pupils.

The system has been developed alongside schools with bespoke features that meet the needs of schools in Northern Ireland. Reducing administrative workload, Bromcom will make it easier for teachers and school staff to manage pupil information, track attendance, record assessments and access medical details in real time. Parents will be able to stay connected through the dedicated 'My Child at School' app. The system also includes smarter attendance tracking that can alert parents when an absence is unexplained, helping to protect pupil welfare.

For pupils with additional needs, the system includes streamlined Personal Learning Plans that make it easier for staff to record and share relevant information.

EdIS Programme Director, Frances Meehan, said:

“The new Bromcom SMS creates a connected and consistent Northern Ireland-wide system that supports collaboration, data-informed improvement to support better outcomes for children. The strong partnership between EA, Bromcom and our pilot schools has been central to reaching this stage and we look forward to bringing these benefits to all schools.”

The launch event brought together Principals and school office staff from pilot schools Nettlefield Primary School, Belfast, and St Comgall’s Primary School, Antrim, who shared their experiences of the transition. Staff from both schools shared positive feedback at the launch event, highlighting the system's ease of use and the benefits of having reliable, real-time information at their fingertips.

St Comgall’s Primary School Principal, Jim Matthews, said:

“Our experience transitioning to Bromcom has been extremely positive. Staff have adapted quickly to the new system with the immediate benefit of faster access to reliable, real-time data. This is already helping us plan more effectively, spend less time on administrative tasks and devote more time to supporting pupils.”

Bromcom Executive Chairman, Ali Guryel, said:

“Working with the team at EANI has been a real pleasure, and the commitment and enthusiasm we have seen from schools throughout the pilot has been just as inspiring. We are proud of what this partnership is achieving and the positive difference it is already making for schools across Northern Ireland.

“This project also represents a landmark moment for Bromcom as we are now the UK's first cloud Management Information System provider to operate and scale up to a country-wide level.

“We are pleased to be part of this drive to enhance education across NI.”

The system is currently being rolled out to all primary schools in Northern Ireland. Post-primary schools and special schools are expected to make the transition in the new academic year.

ENDS
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Notes to Editors
The Bromcom SMS will be available across all school sectors following the phased implementation.
The system was co-designed with schools and developed to align with the Northern Ireland Curriculum and the professional duties of teachers.
EA’s EdIS team will continue to support schools through comprehensive guidance, training and a dedicated support hub, ensuring a smooth and well supported transition journey.

For further information on the Bromcom School Management System including guidance, preparation steps and answers to frequently asked questions, please visit the EA website’s dedicated SMS support page: www.eani.org.uk/services/educational-transformation/education-information-solutions-edis-programme/edis-projects

Photo Captions:
1.
EA’s Chief Education Officer, Eve Bremner is pictured with Shane O’Neil, EdIS Lead; Nettlefield Primary School Principal, Simon McLean; and St. Comgall’s Primary School Principal, Jim Matthews.
2.
EA’s Chief Education Officer, Eve Bremner is pictured with Shane O’Neil, EdIS Lead; Nettlefield Primary School Principal, Simon McLean; and St. Comgall’s Primary School Principal, Jim Matthews alongside Bromcom’s Chris Wordie, Executive Head of EANI Programme and Chief Growth Officer, Ross Anderson
3.
Bromcom Chief Growth Officer, Ross Anderson and Chris Wordie, Bromcom Executive Head of EANI Programme are pictured with Nettlefield Primary School Principal, Simon McLean and SMS Lead Judith Fullerton; alongside St. Comgall’s Primary School Principal, Jim Matthews and SMS Lead, Kathleen Mallon.
4.
EA’s EdIS SMS Lead, Shane O’Neill officially launches the new system.