Case Study: Helsby High School | Cloud Telephony for Schools

Transforming Communication and Connectivity with Tech IP

Overview

Helsby High School, located in Cheshire, is a leading UK secondary school known for its commitment to providing a modern and inclusive learning environment. With hundreds of students and staff across a large campus, the school depends on reliable communication and connectivity to support both administrative operations and digital learning.

The Challenge

Helsby High School was operating on an ageing Mitel 250 on-premise phone system and an outdated Ruckus wireless network. Both technologies had reached end-of-life, with limited vendor support and increasing maintenance costs. The issues included:

• Frequent call quality problems and unreliable voicemail functionality.
• Limited remote management or integration options for hybrid working.
• Outdated Wi-Fi performance, struggling with the growing number of connected student and staff devices.
• Lack of centralised network monitoring and visibility.
• Minimal support responsiveness from previous suppliers.

The school needed a future-proof, scalable, and easily managed communications and connectivity infrastructure — supported by a trusted local partner who could provide responsive, high-quality service.

The Solution

After a detailed consultation process, Tech IP was selected to deliver a complete technology refresh, comprising two key solutions:

1. Cloud Telephony – Gamma LG iPECS Cloud
   Tech IP replaced the obsolete Mitel 250 system with Gamma’s LG iPECS Cloud platform. This modern, hosted telephony solution provides:
   • Enterprise-grade reliability with cloud-based redundancy.
   • Flexible user access — staff can make and receive calls from desks, mobiles, or laptops via softphone integration.
   • Feature-rich communication tools, including voicemail-to-email, presence management, and easy call routing.
   • Centralised administration through a web portal for quick user or extension changes.
   • Predictable costs, with inclusive call bundles and minimal on-site hardware.
2. Wireless Network – Cambium Networks Wi-Fi 6
   To modernise connectivity across the campus, Tech IP deployed Cambium Networks XV series Wi-Fi 6 access points managed via the cnMaestro cloud portal. Key benefits include:
   • High-speed, next-generation Wi-Fi supporting dense device environments such as classrooms and halls.
   • Seamless roaming and improved reliability across all teaching spaces.
   • Centralised monitoring and configuration through cnMaestro, allowing Tech IP and the school’s IT team to proactively manage performance and updates.
   • Enhanced security and visibility for connected devices.

The Implementation

Tech IP managed the full project lifecycle — from planning and design through to installation and post-deployment support. The transition was scheduled outside of term time to minimise disruption, with a seamless migration of extensions and user training provided on the new platforms.