We are delighted to announce the successful completion of the Arbor MIS implementation across all Trust schools, marking the end of a comprehensive, multiphase digital transformation initiative completed between January 2025 and January 2026. This milestone represents a significant achievement in modernising school data systems, improving consistency, and strengthening operational efficiency across the organisation.
The rollout followed a phased, tranche-based approach that ensured each school received tailored onboarding, staff training, data migration, and Go-Live support. The journey began with Handsworth Grammar School for Boys (HGS), the Trust’s pilot school, which went live on 6th January 2025, providing vital insights that helped refine processes for every subsequent implementation. Tranche one concluded on 24th February 2025 with Balaam Wood Academy (BWA) and Fiveways School (FWS) successfully transitioning to Arbor.
Tranche two followed on 3rd June 2025, with Aston School for Boys (AST), Handsworth School for Girls (HAN), and Sheldon Heath Academy (KESH) completing their migration. Feedback from these schools highlighted the intuitive nature of Arbor’s interface, improved processes, and the efficiency of communication tools.
The implementation continued with Tranche three on 3rd November 2025, bringing Camp Hill School for Boys (CHB) and Kings Norton School for Boys (KNSB). The schools focused on deepening functionality across behaviour workflows, assessment configuration, communications, and extracurricular processes, achieving stable and effective operational use shortly after Go-Live.
The final stage of the project concludes with Tranche four, completed on 5th January 2026, when Camp Hill Girls School (CHG) and Lordswood Girls School (LSG) successfully transitioned to Arbor. These schools reported a smooth and positive experience, supported through structured training, integration readiness, and ongoing guidance from the school Arbor Champions and actively engaging with the Arbor Success Team to refine usability and workflow improvements.
Across all tranches, the phased implementation model ensured a well supported migration and a stable transition for staff and students alike. All schools are now part of the Trust’s MAT-wide MIS instance, enabling consistent data, reliable reporting, and improved insight across the organisation.
Schools are already beginning to explore wider functionality with Arbor’s core built-in features and bespoke modules like enhanced behaviour and assessment tools, and the more advanced modules that support both day-to-day processes and strategic priorities. Strengthened through regular MIS Action Group discussions, which facilitate shared learning and best practice and support from Arbor’s Customer Success Team.
The success of the project is the result of close collaboration between schools, their school project teams, Arbor’s onboarding team, School Arbor Champions, and the Trust’s MIS and Digital Transformation teams. The Trust extends sincere thanks to all staff whose commitment, adaptability, and engagement ensured that the schools completed their Go-Live on schedule and with minimal disruption.
With all schools now fully live on Arbor, the Trust has reached a major milestone in its digital unification and ongoing digital transformation journey. The next phase focuses on system optimisation, developing staff confidence, and maximising Arbor’s features to improve data aggregation and quality, strengthen operational efficiency, and enrich teaching and learning across the organisation.
