Sector bodies welcome additional concessions to support UK education’s Microsoft transition

In the run-up to Microsoft’s announced changes, Jisc, UCISA, the Department for Education and the government’s Crown Representative have worked closely with Microsoft to represent the needs of UK education and seek additional concessions in Microsoft’s approach to implementing its new education portfolio.

This engagement has secured important additional concessions and a more workable timeframe for institutions to understand Microsoft’s changes, assess their impact and plan their approach.

This is significant progress, but there is more work to do. Questions remain around the longer-term impact of the changes across schools, further education and higher education. Jisc, UCISA, the Department for Education and the government’s Crown Representative will continue working collectively with Microsoft and the sector as further detail becomes available.

The shared priority remains a fair and sustainable transition that gives institutions sufficient time and information to make informed decisions.