Independent Schools: Personal Interaction Matters

Independent and International schools, by their very nature, pride themselves on the unique environments they cultivate for their students. This sense of independence is reflected in everything they do, from their educational approaches to their decision-making processes. When it comes to the tools they rely on, particularly management and finance software, schools deserve the same level of attention and personal interaction from their suppliers to ensure their specific needs are met.

Independent and International schools need to be confident that their suppliers truly understand the intricacies of their day-to-day operations. This level of understanding can only come from building strong relationships through regular, personal contact.

The Role of In-Person Engagement in Independent and International School Software Support

At WCBS, we’ve seen the magic of in-person interaction at work. A prime example was our recent Scottish User Group gathering at ESMS in Edinburgh. School leaders and administrators shared experiences and challenges, reminding us why independent schools should expect more from their software suppliers – not only technologically, but relationally. Independent schools flourish with regular, in-person contact with the brains behind their software.

The 2025 WCBS User Group Conference at Lord’s

Looking ahead, we are excited to continue this dialogue with our schools at the 2025 WCBS User Group Conference, which will be held once again at Lord’s Cricket Ground. The success of this year’s conference has only strengthened our belief in the importance of these personal interactions. School leaders value the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions with both their peers and experts in the sector, like John Murphie, COO of the ISBA, who will return as a speaker to address pressing issues like VAT.

In today’s increasingly digital world, it’s easy for software providers to reduce their relationships with schools to emails and virtual meetings. But independent schools, with their distinct needs and individual approaches, deserve more. Personal visits, regional events, and conferences provide a platform for schools to ensure their voices are heard, that their feedback is taken seriously, and that their solutions are continually evolving to meet their unique demands.

At the heart of every independent school is a commitment to doing things differently—to upholding a sense of individuality and purpose. As we look ahead to the 2025 User Group Conference, we encourage schools to consider how these relationships can help shape the future of education technology, ensuring that they’re supported at every step.

Building Strong Partnerships Through Personal Engagement

By working together and fostering strong partnerships, independent schools can ensure they get the most from their software and, ultimately, continue to thrive in delivering exceptional education.

For more information on the 2025 WCBS User Group Conference or to register, visit our event page.