Access Education Suite vs. IMP: A Strategic Comparison for Trust Finance Leaders

Access Education Suite presents a comprehensive, integrated platform that spans finance, budgeting, HR, payroll, communications, curriculum planning and analytics. IMP, by contrast, offers a focused financial management solution tailored specifically for trusts. The distinction lies not in capability alone, but in the breadth of vision each system supports.

“We didn’t want a patchwork of systems—we wanted a one-stop shop. Access Education offered exactly what we needed: a unified platform, a clear roadmap, and a team that feels like an extension of our own.” The Lighthouse Federation.

Trusts are complex entities, often managing multiple academies with diverse needs. Fragmented systems can hinder visibility, slow decision-making, and increase administrative burden. The Access Education Suite addresses these challenges by offering:

1. Unified access across functions

Through Access Evo, users benefit from a single login and contract, streamlining access to all core operational tools. This reduces friction and enhances collaboration across departments.

2. Strategic financial planning

Trusts can model budgets up to five years ahead, simulate funding scenarios, and monitor real-time expenditure. This empowers finance leaders to move from reactive to proactive planning.

3. Built-in compliance

Designed specifically for the education sector, the suite ensures alignment with DfE and ESFA reporting standards, reducing the risk of non-compliance and audit issues.

4. Scalability without penalty

With support for unlimited users and features like centralised budgeting and consolidated reporting, the suite grows with the trust—without additional licensing costs.

5. Data-driven decision making

Real-time dashboards provide governors and leadership teams with actionable insights, enabling faster, evidence-based decisions.

“We realised we had to bring a lot of the back-office work under one roof. The idea was to take the pressure off schools and let them focus on what really matters - teaching and supporting pupils. It never felt like we were just buying a product. It was more like, ‘We’re here to work with you. What do you need?’” The Circle Trust

IMP offers a streamlined financial management tool that may suit trusts seeking simplicity. However, for MATs aiming to integrate financial oversight with broader operational functions, Access Education Suite provides a more holistic framework. It is not merely a tool—it is an enabler of strategic transformation.

Choosing a financial system is not a transactional decision; it is a strategic one. Trusts must consider not only current needs but also future growth, regulatory demands, and the imperative to operate efficiently across multiple academies. Access Education Suite stands out as a solution designed with these complexities in mind.

Explore further:

• Download the Acess Education suite brochure
• View bundled solutions for MAT-wide savings

"Access Education has completely changed the way we manage our finances and HR. The efficiency, accuracy, and ease of use have been game-changers for our trust. We now have full confidence in our financial planning and payroll processes, and it has allowed us to focus more on strategic growth rather than getting caught up in administrative challenges". The Swan Trust