Multi-Academy Trust
(North West England)
"Security by an ex-teacher, not a salesperson.”
When Watergrove Trust decided to modernise CCTV across its family of schools, they wanted more than a technical upgrade, they wanted a partner who genuinely understood school life.
That’s where KeyPlus Security came in with our tailored solutions for complex, multi-site organisations.
About Watergrove Trust
Based in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, Watergrove is a Multi-Academy Trust with a people-first philosophy:
“Coach, Challenge, Innovate“
Their schools include Moorhouse, Sandbrook, St. Mary’s, Matthew Moss, Falinge Park and Wardle Academy. Each school has their own identity and priorities.
The Trust’s challenge was clear:
- Outdated, unreliable systems (some schools had none)
- Patchy coverage and blind spots
- Poor quality footage and difficult retrieval
- Varied site management and budgets
- Complex contractor arrangements, especially in PFI schools
Finding the Right Fit
Watergrove Trust didn’t want a one-size-fits-all rollout. They wanted tailored solutions, transparency and someone who could speak their language.
That’s what stood out about our Technical Director, James Steel. Before joining KeyPlus here in Burnley, James spent years teaching so he knows what it’s like to work in a busy school. He understands the rhythm of the day, the pressure on staff and the importance of keeping both people and property safe without adding stress.
As James put it:
“It’s not just about installing cameras, it’s about understanding the environment they protect.“
Our Approach
We started with a full audit at each school then built a plan that suited the space, staff and budget.
- High-definition cameras with remote access
- Smart coverage design to eliminate blind spots
- Scalable systems for future needs
- Central access for safeguarding and leadership teams
- Upgrades where possible, replacements where necessary
Each site was handled individually but with an eye on the bigger Trust picture, creating consistency without losing flexibility.
Challenges We Solved
- Legacy Equipment: Some old systems simply couldn’t integrate. At Moorhouse, we discovered a non-functional camera linked to an outdated setup. Rather than waste time patching it, we installed a new unit connected to the Trust’s modern network improving visibility instantly.
- Mixed Supplier Relationships: Some schools had long-standing vendors for alarms and access control. We proposed bundling services under KeyPlus to simplify maintenance and reduce overall costs.
- PFI Complexities: At Falinge Park, coordination with third-party contractors delayed progress. By working closely with school and Trust contacts, we kept things moving and compliant.
The Results
- Improved security: Schools now have consistent, high-quality coverage.
- Remote access: Leadership can view footage from anywhere, cutting response times.
- Staff reassurance: Visibility and deterrence has boosted confidence across teams.
- Trust savings: Bundled services mean fewer callouts and lower maintenance costs.
What the Client Said
“KeyPlus Security understand the pressures schools face, not just from a tech perspective but from an operational and emotional one.
They’re not just camera installers; they’re part of our support strategy.“
David Leonard
Strategic IT Director
Watergrove Trust
What We Learned
- Empathy drives adoption. When people feel understood, they welcome change.
- Transparency builds trust. Honest conversations remove surprises and strengthen relationships.
- Centralisation creates efficiency. Shared systems can save time and money without losing local control.