Best Educational Software for UK Schools in 2025

Choosing the right software for your school can save time, improve learning, and keep everyone connected.

However, determining the "best" educational software in the UK depends on your specific needs—such as whether you're focused on school management (e.g., attendance and grading), classroom learning tools (e.g., interactive lessons), higher education platforms, or parent communication.

There's no one-size-fits-all winner, but based on recent reviews, user ratings, adoption rates, and expert analyses from 2025 sources, here are some of the top contenders across key categories.

Top Educational Software for UK Schools in 2025

Arbor

Arbor is a cloud-based Management Information System (MIS) that handles attendance, behavior, assessments, and parent communication. It’s designed for primary, secondary, and MATs, integrating with Department for Education systems.

Pros:

• Easy-to-use dashboards save admin time.
• Real-time data for better decision-making.
• Parent app boosts engagement.

Why should you use Arbor?

Arbor is the go-to MIS for over 10,000 UK schools. It streamlines operations, reduces paperwork, and helps staff focus on teaching. Perfect for schools wanting a reliable, all-in-one system.

Google Classroom

Google Classroom is a free learning management system (LMS) for creating assignments, grading, and collaborating via Google Workspace tools like Docs and Drive.

Pros:

• Free for UK schools with Google accounts.
• Simple setup and mobile access.
• Integrates with tools teachers already use.

Why should you use Google Classroom?

Ideal for schools on a budget, Google Classroom makes lesson delivery and student collaboration straightforward. It’s great for hybrid or remote learning and suits all age groups.

Renaissance (Star Assessments)

Renaissance offers Star Assessments, a tool for tracking literacy and math progress with personalized learning paths aligned to the UK curriculum.

Pros:

• Data-driven insights improve student outcomes.
• Quick, adaptive tests save classroom time.
• Used by 6,700+ UK and Ireland schools.

Why should you use Renaissance (Star Assessments)?

If your school needs clear data to boost reading or math skills, Renaissance delivers. It’s trusted for its evidence-based approach and helps teachers tailor support for each student.

Microsoft Teams for Education

Microsoft Teams for Education combines video lessons, quizzes, and collaborative tools like OneNote and Class Notebook, with AI features like Copilot for lesson planning.

Pros:

• Free for eligible UK schools via Office 365.
• Supports hybrid and in-class learning.
• Secure and GDPR-compliant.

Why should you use Microsoft Teams for Education?

Teams is a versatile choice for schools wanting a robust platform for teaching and collaboration. It’s especially useful for secondary schools or those with existing Microsoft setups.

Teachers2Parents

Teachers2Parents is a UK-based tool for messaging parents, managing events, and processing payments, all while meeting GDPR standards.

Pros:

• Affordable at £1 per pupil per year.
• Reduces admin tasks for staff.
• Improves parent-school communication.

Why should you use Teachers2Parents?

For schools prioritizing parent engagement, Teachers2Parents is a simple, cost-effective solution. It’s ideal for keeping families informed and involved without extra hassle.

Twinkl

Twinkl provides over 500,000 curriculum-aligned resources, including lesson plans, worksheets, and CPD tools, with AI-assisted content creation for teachers.

Pros:

• Huge range of resources for EYFS to KS5.
• Affordable at £54/year per teacher.
• Saves planning time with ready-made materials.

Why should you use Twinkl?

Twinkl is a lifesaver for busy teachers needing high-quality, UK-specific resources. It’s perfect for schools wanting to cut prep time while ensuring lessons meet national standards.

How to Choose the Right Software

Your school’s needs will guide your choice. For example, if you’re focused on streamlining admin, Arbor is a top pick. For classroom engagement, Google Classroom or Microsoft Teams shines. Need resources? Twinkl’s got you covered. Consider your budget, staff training needs, and whether the software aligns with the UK curriculum or Ofsted requirements. Most offer free trials, so test them out to see what fits your school best.

If you need further assistance, HelpDesk Heroes Experts can guide you in finding the perfect solution for your school. Our IT solutions for education are designed to address the daily tech challenges faced by UK teachers and students, offering friendly support to overcome these obstacles. Contact us today for a free consultation to find the right software for your school.

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