Background
Stonar School is a non-denominational predominantly boarding school for children between the ages of 2 and 18. Boys may stay at Stonar until the end of Year 2. At present there are approximately 370 pupils on role plus 50 children in ABaCus - the school's purpose built nursery. Additionally, there are 50 - 60 horses stabled at Stonar during term time.

Stonar was using a variety of databases until September 2005, when it was decided that during the next academic year, a new central database was to be sourced and installed on the school's advanced network. The school evaluated many of the systems on the market but became frustrated by the lack of flexibility most "off the peg" systems offered. Stonar is an individual place and the database needed to be able to cope with the school's eccentricities. 
 
Requirements
Based on the research that was carried out and their previous knowledge of other school databases, Stonar knew what features it wanted. 

The ability to cope with three organisations within one database - Nursery, Preparatory School and Senior School
A user friendly and intuitive appearance and navigation
First class immediate support and the ability to tailor the package to Stonar
A speedy installation with support for key users as they started learning to use the new database
Scope to include future initiatives as they arose and the ability to develop the use of the database as Stonar's needs dictated 
 
Achievements to date (July 2006)
At the end of the summer term 2006, Stonar has taken stock of what has been achieved since SchoolBase®; was installed: 
All staff have speedy access to centrally held and accurate data for the first time
Managers have immediate access to all timetables, staff data and pupil information according to their level of responsibility
A range of existing documents held on the school system have been linked through SchoolBase®; to individual pupils' records
Records of communications sent to parents are maintained automatically
Relevant "in-house" training has meant that all staff have been able to start using the straight forward system confidently
 
Stonar is committed to extending its use of SchoolBase®; - academic reports, photographs, the import and export of examinations results along with attaching an expanding range of documents will all be achieved during the coming months. 
SchoolBase®; has united the administrative centre of the school with the academic staff - thanks to its ease of use and the way that user profiles can be tailored to suit different groups or individuals. 
 
Stonar Quotes
 
"Finding the information I wanted used to require phone calls and searching in old paper files but since we have been using SchoolBase®;, I have been able to find the information I need immediately on the system. SchoolBase®; has transformed the way I use our data and what has been particularly impressive, is the way that SchoolBase®; can adapt or expand to cope with the additional needs we identify for the database." Richard Whymark - Head of Stonar Preparatory School

"After a few initial teething problems, we are now able to print out lists of groups of girls with any required information attached in seconds - a very valuable, time saving tool." Margo White - School Secretary

"SchoolBase®; comes into its own "after hours", when offices are locked and a phone number or an address is required in a hurry" Pam Ward - Deputy Head  
       
Website : www.stonar.wilts.sch.uk