ACS International Schools (ACS) decided to explore alternative HR & Payroll systems available in the market ahead of their licence renewal. Their current system has become fragmented and resource-heavy, with limited in-house capability to improve things. They came to Phase 3 for independent guidance, structure and clarity to navigate a complex system selection journey.
ACS International Schools is a UK-based charity operating three campuses in Cobham, Egham, and Hillingdon, educating over 2,000 students from more than 70 nationalities. They deliver an internationally focused curriculum and emphasise global citizenship, leadership, and community, offering world-class facilities and a personalised approach to prepare students to thrive on the global stage.
80% of the system was defined before the RFP, giving early visability of requirements
Phase 3 set the project to achieve full cost confidence with no hidden charges or surprises
Phase 3 challenged assumptions and guided decisions grounded in real operational requirements
Their system had become undermaintained and overly reliant on limited internal expertise, creating inefficiencies and inconsistencies across their three schools. Disconnected processes, a lack of documentation, and poor system integration made it difficult to maintain visibility and control.
We guided ACS through a structured system selection process, using detailed discovery to define 80% of system requirements before going to market. The process identified over 20
interconnected systems and identified opportunities to reduce licence costs by rationalising systems. Each vendor was evaluated against real operational needs, not shiny sales pitches and product features.
The client selected the most suitable system to support their long-term needs with confidence
Implementation timelines were shortened, enabling faster progress and decisions
Extra time was added to their contingency period to test pay runs ahead of moving entirely to the new system
All three schools were aligned under unified processes, improving consistency and collaboration
Selecting the right HR or payroll system is a critical decision, and the wrong choice can be costly. At Phase 3, we provide impartial and expert guidance to help organisations navigate system selection with confidence.
Our process includes requirements gathering, market engagement, vendor assessments, and Match & Gap analysis, ensuring you invest in the best-fit solution. With deep industry expertise and hands-on support, we help businesses like ACS International Schools make strategic, cost-effective decisions about their HR technology.
