Schools, trusts and colleges across Somerset, Devon, Bristol and Bath are being invited to explore a new “Price Neutral” approach to ICT investment, launched by Bridgwater-based education technology specialists Academy ICT.
The goal is ambitious but clear: Price Neutral EdTech for the South West by 2030.
What is Price Neutrality?
Price Neutrality is a simple concept with big implications for budgets:
- For every £1,000,000 that Academy ICT receives in orders from schools, trusts, federations and colleges in the South West,
- They arrange an equivalent amount – or more – in fully funded programmes, rebates and strategic initiatives for the wider education community.
Crucially, you do not need to be an Academy ICT customer to access this funded support. When one establishment purchases through them, the benefit is designed to extend across the whole region.
The scheme has been shaped over 12 months of conversations with education leaders, responding to consistent challenges:
- Tight budgets
- Falling returns on ICT spend
- Growing expectations around digital skills, AI and online learning
- A need for clearer strategy and better value from technology investments
Academy ICT’s response is to help schools move from reactive ICT spending to a more strategic, long-term approach that protects budgets while improving outcomes.
What support is available?
Through the Price Neutrality model, Academy ICT and its supply chain are working to deliver £1-for-£1 matched value in areas such as:
- Fully funded digital skills training for staff
- AI integration and adoption support
- ICT procurement strategy and planning
- On-site demos, evaluation and sandbox environments
- Sustainability programmes linked to ICT investment
- Rebate opportunities, flexible digital initiatives and work experience placements
Support is tailored to each organisation, starting with understanding current systems, needs and goals, and then building a plan that delivers measurable value.
Why it matters for schools and colleges
Many schools have told Academy ICT they were investing in ICT without always being sure it was necessary or well-targeted. Spending could feel reactive, driven by short-term pressures rather than a clear digital strategy.
Price Neutrality is designed to change that, by:
- Helping leaders make better-informed ICT decisions
- Ensuring more of every pound spent flows back into education as funded support
- Spreading the benefits of major investments across the wider region, not just a handful of institutions
Who can get involved?
The scheme is open to:
- Schools
- Multi-Academy Trusts and federations
- Colleges
across Somerset, Devon, Bristol and Bath.
Any eligible education provider can discuss support, whether or not they currently buy through Academy ICT.
Find out more
Education leaders who would like to explore Price Neutrality or discuss potential support for their organisation can contact Academy ICT’s Price Neutral team:
- Website / contact form: via the Academy ICT website
- Email: admin@academyict.com
- Phone: 08454 100108
They are inviting schools, trusts and colleges across the South West to help shape this model and make ICT investment work harder for learners, staff and budgets on the path to a Price Neutral EdTech future by 2030.
