Civica partners with Tauheedul to deliver next generation learning capabilities Five year partnership to deliver state-of-the-art learning

based on Cloud computing London, July 24, 2012 - Civica, a market leader in specialist systems and business process services that help organisations transform the way they work, has agreed a five-year strategic partnership with Tauheedul Islam Faith, Education and Community Trust (TIFECT), to provide Cloud-based ICT and learning for the Tauheedul free schools and academies network, beginning with Tauheedul Boys High School, a free school based in Blackburn, opening in September 2012. The free school will provide a practical and modern faith-based education to 700 boys aged (11-18 years). It will be located in a previously disused comprehensive school which the trust is refurbishing to the Department for Educations required standards. The new school is the latest initiative by TIFECT, a community-focused organisation which has supported educational excellence, faith and community service in the local community for over 60 years. Civica will provide a managed learning environment delivered through a flexible Cloud-based platform as an alternative to traditional PC-based computing. The new schools curriculum is backed by ICT system training for all users and a series of customised computer skills and entrepreneurship modules from Civica experts. Under the agreement, Civica will work with the trust to install a Cloud computing platform based on Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), which is hosted on Tauheeduls server platform at Blackburn and Darwen Borough Councils data centre. Civica will support the data and applications through a managed service agreement that also gives the trust access to remote management support via Civicas service desk. The VDI approach, backed by ICT system support from Civica, will enable the trust to make use of old hardware and software for providing modern teaching and development. The new platform is designed to enable students to use their own devices including laptops, netbooks and iPads to access curriculum and school systems in and out of school. It also includes IT systems for school administration, communications and reports, simplifying the running of the school. Through Civicas learning platform, the trust will work in collaboration with Civicas Elearning consultants to develop learning applications for students. The partnership is thus ensuring that ICT is the hub for customised learning while enabling the trust to make considerable savings on capital set-up costs, curriculum development and ongoing support and maintenance. The schools flexible learning environment will enable students to adopt flexible and remote learning practices. The system can be accessed by senior management, teachers, students and parents, promoting enhanced communication between the school and parents. In addition, the school can continually draw on the expertise of Civicas education experts for the development of learning modules and ICT support.

All the Free School students will study ICT, Business & Enterprise, Design & Technology and the Civica ICT solution will support this with a CPD programme for teachers that will compliment initiatives such as the Microsoft IT Academy suite of learning applications, organise mentoring from senior company personnel, Dragons Den-style innovation schemes as well as programming tutorials featuring the latest tools such as Raspberry Pi computer. Jacqueline Petriaho, principal of the Tauheedul Boys High School stated: Its a delight to be able to establish a new school with a modern and comprehensive learning environment which will hit the ground running this September, using legacy equipment. Hamid Patel, CEO of the Tauheedul said: The new schools Cloud-based learning marks the start of a series of joint activities with Civica which includes exciting training and learning opportunities for our students. Having a strategic partner that excels in learning development and ICT integration and supporting our education model is one of the keys to our trusts development over the next five years. Lee Burley, managing director of Civicas education division, said: Tauheedul is offering one of the most advanced learning curricula in the country. This is a direct result of the partners combining unique educational, technological and project management know-how. We look forward to working closely with the trust in the future to provide truly outstanding learning, entrepreneurial and training opportunities for the local community through the new high school. About Civicas Education division Civicas education division works in close partnership with a range of education institutions to develop learning outcomes based on new technologies that become available as a way to inspire, encourage creativity and increase efficiency in learning. The divisions E-Learning service enables schools to maximise the investment they have made in technology to date such as using technology, software and their support staff effectively to ensure that future purchases are strategically made and implemented. About Civica Civica Group Limited (www.civica.co.uk) is a market leader in specialist systems and outsourcing services that help organisations to improve service delivery and efficiency. It has specialist expertise in local government, pensions, social housing, education, healthcare, enforcement and other regulated markets. The group supplies more than 1,800 customers in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and the USA, including 94 per cent of the UKs local authorities. About Tauheedul Islam Faith, Education and Community Trust (TIFECT) TIFECT was established in the 1960s to develop spiritual and educational excellence for the local people of Blackburn. Today it provides outstanding educational opportunities for thousands of young people throughout the UK, promotes community-led social and economic regeneration and funds educational, health and disaster relief for some of those most in need around the world.

Press contacts For further information, please contact: Mark Walker/Lucy Houghton/Paul Crouch/Kristian Towse, Chameleon PR civica@chameleonpr.com +44 (0) 20 7680 5500