Why install VoIP Systems in Your School?
Whilst the DfE doesnt recognise VoIP as a stand alone requirement or have specific standards for VoIP, it does recognise it as an integral part of enabling the delivery of secure, fast broadband, security and resilience standards that ALL UK School MUST adhere to.
VoIP relies on stable, low latency connectivity, and with copper lines being retired as part of the PPSTN switch off, a full fibre line is required for all schools (100Mbps for primary and 1Gbps for secondary).
VoIP should be considered an integral part of your broadband, filtering and firewall requirements and be fully integrated in the Schools safeguarding and security framework.
VoIP Telephone Systems for UK Schools
ICTN provides modern VoIP telephone systems designed specifically for schools and education providers. Based in Cheshire, we support schools, academies, and multi-academy trusts across England and Wales, delivering reliable, future-ready communication systems built around the needs of education environments.
VoIP telephone systems replace traditional phone lines by routing calls over your internet connection. This allows schools to manage incoming calls, internal communication, and contact with parents, local authorities, and external services in a more flexible and cost-effective way.
With the UK PSTN and ISDN switch-off scheduled for completion in 2027, schools need to transition away from legacy phone systems to avoid disruption. Moving to VoIP now ensures continuity, resilience, and access to modern features that support safeguarding and day-to-day school operations.
Why VoIP Telephone Systems Are the Right Choice for Schools
Modern VoIP telephone systems give schools greater control over how calls are managed across reception areas, classrooms, offices, and remote locations. Unlike traditional phone systems, VoIP platforms are cloud-based, allowing flexibility while maintaining reliability and security.
Key benefits for education settings include:
- Cost control – Reduce line rental and call charges compared to traditional phone systems
- Scalability – Easily add or remove users as staffing and classroom needs change
- Safeguarding support – Call logging and routing provide oversight and accountability
- Resilience – Calls can be redirected during connectivity or power issues
- Ease of use – Simple interfaces suitable for admin teams and teaching staff
VoIP systems allow schools to modernise communications without adding unnecessary complexity or disrupting learning.
Our VoIP Services for Education
We provide fully managed VoIP telephone systems designed around the practical and safeguarding requirements of education providers.
VoIP Solutions for Primary and Secondary Schools
Our VoIP systems are ideal for individual schools that need reliable communication between reception, classrooms, safeguarding leads, and senior staff. Features include:
- Voicemail to email for missed calls
- Call routing between departments and staff groups
- Call queues and music on hold
- Softphone and mobile apps for authorised staff
- Retention of existing phone numbers
- Simple administration via an online portal
- Compatibility with desk phones, IP phones, and VoIP handsets
Installations are planned carefully to minimise disruption during term time, with clear migration paths from existing systems.
Multi-Site VoIP for Academies and MATs
For academy trusts and education groups operating across multiple locations, VoIP provides centralised management with local flexibility. Our solutions support:
- Shared phone numbers across schools
- Consistent call handling policies
- Central reporting and call visibility
- Secure communication between sites
- Easy user management across multiple locations
Cloud-hosted VoIP platforms help trusts maintain consistent communication standards while allowing individual schools to operate independently.
VoIP Features Designed for Education Settings
Our VoIP telephone systems include features that support both everyday communication and safeguarding responsibilities.
Call Handling and Routing
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Auto attendants to direct callers efficiently
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Call groups for reception and admin teams
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Time-based routing for term time and holidays
Accessibility and Communication
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Voicemail to email for faster responses
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Mobile access for authorised staff
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Click-to-dial functionality
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Clear call logs for accountability
Oversight and Reliability
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Optional call recording, where appropriate
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Real-time call monitoring
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Automatic call forwarding during outages
Professional Caller Experience
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Custom greetings for term time and holidays
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Music on hold and announcements
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Consistent presentation to parents and external agencies
These features help schools manage high call volumes efficiently while maintaining a calm, professional experience for callers.
Our VoIP Installation and Support Process
Step 1: School and Network Assessment
We review your existing phone system, broadband connection, and internal network to ensure suitability for VoIP. This includes consideration of safeguarding, reliability, and capacity requirements.
Step 2: System Design
Your VoIP solution is designed around your school’s layout, staffing structure, and call flows. This includes handset placement, routing rules, voicemail setup, and access controls.
Step 3: Professional Installation
Our engineers install and configure the system with minimal disruption. Many elements can be deployed remotely, reducing on-site work during the school day.
Step 4: Training and Ongoing Support
We provide clear training for admin teams and ongoing UK-based support. Your system can be adjusted easily as staffing and requirements change.
Reliability, Security, and Continuity for Schools
Reliable communication is essential in education. Our VoIP platforms are designed with resilience at their core, including:
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Multiple data centres
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Redundant network paths
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Automatic call forwarding during outages
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Optional mobile backup solutions
If an on-site issue occurs, calls can be redirected to authorised staff, ensuring communication with parents and emergency services is maintained.
Why Schools Choose ICTN for VoIP
Education providers choose ICTN because we understand the realities of school environments and the importance of dependable communication. We provide:
- UK-based expertise and ongoing support
- VoIP solutions designed specifically for schools
- Clear, transparent pricing
- Flexible systems that scale with schools and trusts
- Experience supporting education providers across England and Wales
Our focus is on delivering communication systems that support safeguarding, reliability, and ease of use.
Get Started With VoIP for Your School
Modern VoIP telephone systems provide a reliable, future-proof alternative to traditional phone lines. With the PSTN switch-off approaching, now is the right time to plan a smooth transition.
Our Cheshire-based team supports schools across England and Wales, providing expert guidance from initial consultation through to installation and ongoing support.
UK-based support • Education-focused solutions • Future-ready communication
A Phone Call Away
Let us help you catapult your idea into a reality. There’s no better day.