Blog 1 of 3: Back to School Series
Balancing the end-of-year buzz with administrative prep to ensure a smooth new academic year.
How Smaller Independent and International Schools Can Save Time and Drive Growth with the Right Academic System
From limited resources to growing administrative demands, smaller independent and international schools often face difficulties in balancing the personalised care they offer with the need for efficiency.
passFINANCE Payroll: HMRC Recognition & Tailored Support for Independent Schools
passFINANCE Payroll has once again been officially recognised by HMRC for the upcoming tax year
Protecting your School from Cyber Threats
it's critical that schools take proactive steps to safeguard their systems.
WCBS User Group Conference 2025
The 2025 WCBS User Group Conference brought together school leaders, industry experts, and technology partners for a day of learning, discussion, and networking at the iconic Lord’s Cricket
Securing Data in Independent Schools: The Importance of a Future-Proofed MIS for Data Protection
. With cyberattacks becoming more frequent and sophisticated, protecting school data has never been more critical.
Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Independent School Finances: 5 Key Strategies for 2025
Financial management in education is more complex than ever, making it essential for schools to adopt proactive strategies to stay ahead.
Preparing for VAT Changes in Independent Schools
With VAT changes for Independent Schools confirmed to take effect from January 2025, we continue to provide comprehensive support.
The Journey of the HUBmis Attendance Module
Here’s a look at the journey of the Attendance Module in HUBmis and how our commitment to agility made it possible.
AI Cheat Sheet for PAs and School Administrative Assistants
This cheat sheet contains practical applications help school administrators and PAs enhance their workflow with AI.
Academic Year End Checklist for Your Independent School’s MIS
By using this checklist covering the following tasks you can make sure your school handles the Academic Year End effectively.
Exciting News: Welcome Our New Regional Manager for the Middle East
WCBS welcomes a valuable addition to our team in the form of Dan Pauley, who joined us as the new Regional Sales Manager for The Middle East and Africa. Dan brings a wealth of experience to the role, and we can’t for Dan to make his mark on the EdTech world.
WCBS launches partnership with IndiCater
IndiCater helps schools manage their food operations with greater safety, accuracy, and profitability.
Advantages of Implementing a Student Information System Over Spreadsheets for Pupil Data Management
Let's explore why transitioning to a comprehensive School Information System surpasses using spreadsheets for pupil data management.
Supporting Schools for 40 Years: Meet the WCBS Support Team
At WCBS, we understand the importance of reliable support when using our software solutions. Our dedicated Support Team is committed to assisting our customers every step of the way, ensuring a smooth transition and ongoing satisfaction with our products.
Celebrating Innovation: 3 Years as Cool Tool Awards Finalists… and More!
Over the past three years, we've been honoured to be recognised as finalists in the prestigious EdTech Awards' Cool Tool categories.
A Parent’s View on Admissions: Insights from COBIS Deira International School’s Parent Session
Recently, at the COBIS, parent panellists shared their diverse experiences and shed light on what matters most to them when it comes to choosing a school.
The Relationship Between International Businesses and Local International Schools: Mitigating Risks with HUBadmissions
In the dynamic world of global commerce and education, the partnership between international businesses and local international schools is a cornerstone of community development and growth. However, while this relationship brings valuable benefits, it also presents risks, particularly for schools overly dependent on corporate sponsorships.
HUBmis: Safeguarding School Data in Compliance with Local Legislation
In an era where data protection and privacy have become paramount concerns, educational institutions must be vigilant in ensuring their Management Information Systems (MIS) comply with local legislation. HUBmis stands out as a solution that not only meets these stringent requirements but goes a step further by offering dedicated, in-region data hosting.
A Year of Triumphs: Unveiling WCBS’s 2023 Highlights
Let's take a closer look at the key statistics and achievements that have defined WCBS's journey throughout the past year.
Quick Wins for Independent and International School Leaders on Retaining and Recruiting Pupils
In the fast-paced world of education, we understand the need for quick and effective strategies to retain current students and attract new ones
Navigating the World of Education Conferences
WCBS has been busy speaking to schools around the World at Education Conferences
14 Factors often overlooked when choosing EdTech for Independent & International Schools
Make sure your new MIS works at optimum level for the whole school community
FREE WEBINAR: Prep School Admissions Strategies for Retaining and Recruiting families during the cost of living crisis
How can school leaders develop their critical mindset to be a useful tool to overcome today’s economic challenges?
Big date for your diary: Annual User Group Conference 2024
Join us for a day at Lord's Cricket Ground for a packed agenda
Why Independent and International schools need API integration
Don't restrict your school when it comes to EdTech just because software choices won't play nicely together!
New Regional Manager for Asia joins WCBS with clear EdTech goals
Regional Manager has extensive knowledge of international schools and Asia
Support team grows with another experienced Finance colleague
New support team member already helping customers with finance queries
Digestible data for passFINANCE customers
WCBS develops standard Reporting Pack for passFINANCE, which can be customised for each school
New! The latest HUB features and modules unveiled
More enhancements to HUB to further empower schools with unparalleled flexibility, streamlined operations, and seamless data integration
MIS to help your key staff prepare for next term and the new academic year
Innovative EdTech provides sophisticated cloud native MIS to support independent & international schools
From teaching Key Stage Two to training in the EdTech world
Once a Key Stage Two Teacher, now enjoying the challenges of training adults in the EdTech world
Embracing diversity and flexibility in Dubai schools
Software with Arabic translation empowers education in Dubai.
From inspired student to next generation EdTech developer
Taking an early interest in what her Dad did helped Sharon with career choice.
Proactive thinking helps Independent and International Schools through challenging times
Independent schools have to proactively build pipelines to improve future forecasts.
Innovative integration built for HUB and Excel
Commitment to HUB development brings Excel and HUB together.
Is PASS-hosted right for your school?
WCBS Team Leader & Customer Account Manager Martin Croad breaks down the simplicity of moving PASS to the cloud.
Future facing software helps schools’ admissions strategies reach their goals
Ground-breaking admissions and marketing software for independent schools available on free trial
How Independent Schools can improve cash flow with a streamlined billing process
As well as improving cash flow for your Independent School, Direct Debit offers convenience and boosts productivity.
How to transform the way your school manages its fee collection
Learn how to save hours of headache and millions in fees by making it as easy as possible for parents and guardians to pay on time.
School marketing ideas to implement before a half-term break
Before any half-term break is the perfect time to implement new and innovative marketing ideas.
Cloud hosting: using existing software solutions whilst meeting cloud objectives
We migrate you to the cloud, and then staff can work from anywhere with an internet connection
How successful are your Open Days?
With costs rising, schools want to keep tabs on just about everything, including Open Days. Find out how to get the maximum benefits using the right software.
CTO Antony Woodhams reveals four of his key priorities in new role
CTO details what he’s working on that directly affects WCBS customers in Independent and International schools.
New appointment at WCBS reflects commitment to customer service
His career with WCBS spans more than 16 years and Neil Butcher has risen to the challenge of every role; now he's the COO.
CTO shares goals, achievements & challenges of new role
As Antony Woodhams steps up into new role, he reflects on his career of 20 years and passion for developing world class software at WCBS.
Is communication in your independent school as good as it gets?
Shining a spotlight on email comms with parents, pupils and colleagues
How to maximise the potential of your independent school’s admissions team
Focus on the development of key admissions management capabilities and long term success will follow
Marketer to Marketer: 9 Tips on how marketing and admissions teams can use a CRM to boost school admissions
9 Tips on how marketing and admissions teams can use a CRM to boost school admissions
HUBmis rewarded for excellence
WCBS has recently received recognition and awards for our next generation cloud native solutions for fee-paying schools. We are proud of this acknowledgement from others for our HUB products.
How to add excitement to your travels – with Will McNeil
Will McNeil knows a thing or two about travelling - especially in his professional capacity. He does, however, manage to bring an element of the unexpected to a trip. What could possibly go wrong...? Read on, in Will's own words...
Ground breaking Admissions CRM system delivering a streamlined application process to prospective parents and staff
A recent ISC survey shows that despite the impact of COVID on the economy, parents are still looking to invest in their children’s’ education. There is, however, stiff competition for pupil enrolment.
The story behind The Guru of School Software Solutions
Richard Walling is well known to most of our customers, and has been the go-to person for them and his colleagues for all things product-related during his 25 year career with WCBS. With this knowlege and experience it's not surprising he's known as The Guru!
Innovator or laggard… where do you and new tech stand?
With any new and innovative product there is what can be considered a risk factor. The adoption curve comprises five stages; where are you?
WCBS launches partnership with sQuid Card
Looking for an easy way to manage school income?
How does a school make 1+1 > 2?
Aaron Wu talks about how the Admissions and Marketing teams in schools can have fun working together.
So, what’s wrong with Performance Management and what could be done better?
Damien Roberts, Director and Co-Founder of Derventio Education shares his experience and solution to overcome these problems.
Managing Debtors in Fee Paying Schools
WCBS Sales Director, John Cannon talks us through the implications, and explains why specialist software works
Choosing the MIS your Independent School deserves
Choosing new software for your school is no small or insignificant task, especially when we are talking about an MIS.
From Programmer to “Guardian Angel”, a journey in software
With most of her working life in development, one of our colleagues takes us on the journey of how it all started!
The Importance of IT teams in the development of Independent Schools
IT teams should play an important role in the development of Independent Schools
Finance Manager of an Independent School? It’s time to question your software
True cloud accounting technology removes major challenges faced by independent schools
Don’t get stuck with old technology: feel free with HUBmis
Don't get stuck with old technology: your upcoming 3 year SIMS renewal!
Respecting gender identity in the classroom
Ensuring an environment of respect and safety in the classroom comes from supporting gender identity
Planning to consult on withdrawal from the TPS?
Schools looking at value for money and possible savings gain guidance in this blog to exploring TPS alternatives and how to implement
Partner Blog from VSE: Top 5 tips to get more from your digital prospective parent marketing!
Top 5 tips to get more from your digital prospective parent marketing!
Celebrating a year of HUBmis
We've been showing off our game changing next gen cloud native MIS for 12 months; what's the verdict so far?
WCBS launches partnership with SchooliP
A better way to manage teachers and staff appraisals and professional development
From Zero to Demo in 30 Days
The newest addition to the HUBmis international team, Harry Saunders diarised the month before he got the chance to demo HUBmis for the first time.
WCBS and SchoolBase from Furlong come together as partners for the benefit of Independent Schools
WCBS and SchoolBase from Furlong have a lot in common: we both want the absolute best for our customers.
Improving the Timetabling & Employment of Part-time Teachers
A must-read White Paper for Timetablers and Headteachers
You can’t teach an old dog new tricks
WCBS’ Will McNeil, Head of International and new Dog Dad to Kingsley the Labdradoodle, shares his findings on dog training and comparisons in implementing new EdTech.
Supporting pupil wellbeing with cloud native technology
The impact of multiple lockdowns and social isolation has been hard on many demographics across the globe, and studies have shown increasing rates of mental health concerns in young people.
The future of tech in Independent and International Schools
Sales & Marketing Director, Stephen Bilboe, discusses how Independent Schools have kept up with EdTech expectations throughout the pandemic.
Penetration testing a must in today’s software development
WCBS Development Director explains how and why penetration testing is one of the methods used to gain security assurance of HUBmis
Protect your school from Ransomware Attacks
Increase your school’s data security with highly secure platform, WCBS Hosting.
Cloud HR & Payroll: could you save your school £15,000 per annum?
Making informed decisions on the best way to run your school’s HR and Payroll departments.
Teaching through lockdown? HUBmis will set new standards
WCBS Sales & Marketing Director, Stephen Bilboe discusses how schools have adapted through Covid-19, and the key features of HUBmis.
Data protection expert GDPRiS joins WCBS Partner Programme
Our new partnership with GDPR in Schools will offer WCBS customers a more in-depth understanding of how to use our systems securely.
Implementing social distancing when schools return
WCBS partner TimeTabler shares helpful information to support schools as they plan to reopen whilst adhering to social distancing rules.
Cloud Finance update: what are independent schools talking about?
WCBS Product Director, Neil Butcher discusses the success of our latest round of webinars focussing on Cloud Finance.
Coronavirus and its effect on the independent school market
We discuss how you can protect your school with cloud-hosted software.
Why do schools need specialist finance systems?
School finance consultant, John Cannon compares commercial packages with school-specific software.
passFINANCE Payroll receives HMRC recognition for yet another year!
A behind-the-scenes look at why this module continues to be the independent schools’ choice of payroll solution.
How can you prevent your staff from ever saying “Training – what training?”
WCBS Consultancy Manager, Cerith Needs provides insight into how we prepare your staff to use new software.
Top Tips for selecting the right MIS for your school
If the right MIS is selected and implemented correctly, your school will have a great foundation for success.
International schools: provide the best first impression to prospects
WCBS explores why offering an effective admissions journey to potential students is important for new schools.
What does your admissions process say about your school?
Is your admissions process simple and streamlined? Can parents easily request a prospectus, book a visit, contact your team or...
New finance product developed in partnership with WCBS customers
Centralised purchasing activity across the school to work in conjunction with passFINANCE.
How does your school rate on the admissions experience?
Bett 2019 provided a platform to challenge schools to look at the success of their current admissions process.
Presentations & WCBS ‘guru’ highlight User Group meetings
passFINANCE and 3sysACADEMIC customers meet at latest events. We share your feedback plus comments from WCBS staff.