Read our latest newsletter, case studies, thought leadership articles and school news.
If you’ve been asked to participate in a school software review, it’s worth remembering that schools aren’t just evaluating your product.
They’re assessing how you communicate, respond to questions, respect the process, and whether you’re the kind of partner they can trust long term.
If you’re a School Business Manager or Finance Leader, budget time probably brings a mix of emotions.
There’s the pressure of balancing the books, the challenge of planning for the unexpected, and the responsibility of ensuring your school can continue delivering the best possible outcomes for students and staff.
It’s a big job
Payroll specialists do much more than process pays. They help schools navigate complex legislation, reduce compliance risks, and protect against costly payroll mistakes. Investing in payroll expertise is an investment in stronger governance, financial security, and staff confidence.
After 20 years working alongside schools across Australia and New Zealand, we’ve noticed the same patterns emerging time and time again. The strongest finance functions aren’t necessarily the biggest or most complex. They’re the ones built on solid foundations.
As schools navigate growing operational demands, the systems behind the scenes have never been more important. From preparing for upcoming Payday Super reforms and strengthening payroll compliance to leveraging better data for smarter decision-making, this edition is packed with practical insights to help your school work more efficiently and plan confidently for the future. You’ll also discover lessons from the ASBAQ Conference, technology and systems best practices, new support for Early Learning Centres, and the latest updates from Cole School Experts.
From 1 July 2026, new “Payday Super” reforms will require superannuation contributions to be paid at the same time as wages and received by employees’ funds within 7 business days. Schools will need to ensure timely payroll processing, accurate employee super details from commencement, and review existing onboarding and payroll practices to remain compliant.
Not every school with messy processes is “broken”. Most are just busy. This article looks at why “room for improvement” is actually a strong starting point for making sustainable change. You just need the right team in your corner.
From 1 July 2026, Payday Super will change the way you run payroll. In short, super will need to be paid at the same time as wages. While it may feel like more work upfront, the shift brings real benefits. The key is getting comfortable with the change early and making sure your systems and processes are ready to go.
Cole School Experts has been recognised as one of South Australia’s Top 25 Fast Movers in the 2026 BDO Fast Movers SA Awards, marking a significant milestone for the business and its continued growth within the education sector.
