The Key is here to save you time and provide practical, well-researched, accurate answers to all your questions. These are just some of the benefits of using The Key

Access to up-to-date information 

The education sector is continually changing and to keep you abreast of the latest information The Key is updated daily with the latest changes in the sector, including new government policy, curriculum changes and updates to the inspection process. We are ruthless about getting rid of out-of-date material. Once published, all our articles go into a review cycle to make sure we update them regularly. 97% of The Key's material is voluntarily rated as either good or outstanding by our members.

Save time and focus on what is important to your role

Our articles are succinct and no-nonsense. You can read each article in minutes and get the information you need quickly. Members of The Key have more time to focus on what’s important to their role, instead of undertaking lengthy research.

Download practical tools, case studies, and sample policies and documents 

We aim to provide practical information that can be quickly put to use. We’ll always look for useful resources on your behalf, not just tell you the theory. All content can be downloaded, bookmarked, printed or forwarded to a colleague at the touch of a button.

Support for all your senior team

Membership of The Key gives unlimited access to all members of your senior team. We have experts and researchers who specialise in helping School Business Managers and SENCOs, for example. We offer a cost-efficient way of ensuring that you have ongoing, reliable support for all your senior leaders. 

Make cost and efficiency savings

The Key covers all your senior leaders’ research and information needs at a fraction of the cost of consultancy or training courses. Our members tell us that The Key is taking over from training courses as an integral part of their CPD.

Membership of The Key pays for itself within two months through time saved for the senior leadership team alone (based on independent research from FDS International).

Find funding opportunities and budgeting information 

The Key has a wealth of information and tools for anyone involved in managing a school budget. Our service can also provide guidance on managing your extended services or finding sources of funding. Information on grants of up to £30,000 is available on The Key.

Get help preparing for Ofsted

Our section on Ofsted contains information on everything from the inspection framework to preparing less-experienced staff for an inspection. We also have policy checklists, sample policies, guidance on improving your rating, and updates on changes to inspection.

A member recently commented:  “The Key helped us to get outstanding in our Ofsted. I challenged Ofsted to find a policy I did not have. The representative could not find one! The Key is kept so up to date, unlike any other info out there.” Rosie Mirecki, Headteacher, Elm Grove Primary School.

You’ll have quick links to further information 

When we provide you with links to other websites, we take you right to the page where you can find the relevant material. We acknowledge every source clearly so you can see exactly where our information has come from, and can explore it further if you like.