As the new academic year begins, Multi Academy Trusts across the UK are facing the familiar challenge of managing hundreds, sometimes thousands, of devices across multiple sites. From student tablets to staff laptops, the complexity of keeping everything secure, compliant, and ready to go can be overwhelming. That’s where Microsoft Intune steps in: simplifying device management and taking away IT headaches at the start of a new year.
Microsoft Intune, part of the Microsoft M365 ecosystem, offers cloud-based device management that’s perfect for the education sector. Whether you’re overseeing a single secondary school or a network of primaries, Intune simplifies the entire lifecycle of device management, from provisioning to retirement.
Key benefits of Intune to MATs:
- Centralised control across sites
IT teams can manage devices from a single dashboard, applying consistent policies across all academies while allowing for local flexibility. - Zero-touch deployment
With Autopilot and Intune, devices arrive ready to use with no manual setup required. Students and staff simply log in, and their profiles, apps, and settings are automatically configured. - Robust security & compliance
Intune integrates with Microsoft Defender and Conditional Access to ensure devices meet security standards before accessing sensitive data or school resources. - Support for BYOD & shared devices
Whether students bring their own devices or use shared classroom tablets, Intune ensures secure access and personalised experiences.
Empowering Educators and Learners with Intune
Intune isn’t just for IT admins; it’s a tool that empowers teaching and learning:
- Seamless integration with Teams & OneNote
Devices managed through Intune are optimised for collaboration, making it easier for teachers to run hybrid lessons and for students to stay organised. - Reduced downtime, increased learning time
With remote troubleshooting and automated updates, IT teams can resolve issues quickly, keeping classrooms running smoothly. - Real-World Impact
One MAT in Yorkshire recently transitioned to Intune across its five academies. The result? A 40% reduction in IT support tickets, faster onboarding for new staff, and improved student engagement through reliable access to learning tools.
Ready for the term ahead
As MATs continue to grow and evolve, scalable solutions like Intune are no longer optional, they’re essential. By simplifying device management, Intune frees up time, reduces costs, and ensures every learner has the tools they need to succeed.
How can AspiraCloud helps schools and MATs simplify device management with Intune?
AspiraCloud has helped many MATs, including Bridge Academy Trust, in gearing up for the new school year through their Intune QuickStart offering. This service has streamlined the deployment and management of devices, ensuring that all necessary applications and settings are configured efficiently and securely. By leveraging Intune’s capabilities, Aspiracloud has enabled schools to maintain a consistent and compliant IT environment, reducing the workload on IT staff and allowing educators to focus more on teaching. This proactive approach has not only enhanced the overall operational efficiency but also ensured that students and teachers have a seamless and productive start to the academic year.
If you would like to learn more about Intune and how AspiraCloud could help you with device management within your MAT or school, then contact us to book a free consultation.
You can also visit us at the SAAS show in Birmingham on 19th and 20th November or at the BETT UK on 21st-23rd January 2026.
Meet the author, Danie Watkiss