21 December 2025

The contract, with Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Southampton, and Portsmouth (HISP) Multi Academy Trust (MAT), is valued at approximately £250,000 and includes an option to extend the initial three-year term by two additional years.

Procured less than three months after being accepted onto the framework, the agreement aims to upgrade HISP MAT’s existing wide area network to a managed service leveraging high-speed full fibre connections and ensuring compliance with DfE Digital standards. MLL’s solution, incorporating Fortinet firewall security technologies, will serve all six schools in Hampshire, with plans to extend connectivity to two more schools on the Isle of Wight in the near future.

“To deliver the best teaching and learning environment now and in the future, we recognized the need to upgrade our network to a scalable managed service using the latest full fibre connectivity and security. We are confident that MLL’s proven track record in the public sector, including MATs and schools, will provide HISP MAT with a responsive, first-class solution,” said Chriss Atkinson, Head of IT at HISP MAT.

“We’re delighted to support HISP MAT with its network transition, which will deliver a highly resilient and secure service, safeguarding the interests of students, staff, and administrators. We also appreciate how the Everything ICT Framework has facilitated a smooth procurement process, enabling us to deliver this prestigious education sector customer,” said Mark Freeborough, MLL’s Schools Team Lead.

Founded in 2020, HISP Multi Academy Trust has grown to include eight schools across the South of England and the Isle of Wight, including Thornden, Highcliffe, Danebury, Crofton, Portswood, Tanners Brook, Carisbrooke College, and Medina College (including Island VI Form).

Beyond schools, the Everything ICT Framework is accessible to other public sector organizations, particularly in health, due to its user-friendly process, trusted supplier base, and compliance with procurement regulations.