14 November 2025

Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts makes its SaaS+ debut with rapid student tech upgrade

The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) has called curtains on its disparate, legacy IT systems, replacing it with a brand new, integrated student management solution in just 11 months.

The fast turnaround is in stark contrast to the bloated budgets and drawn-out timelines that have plagued many university IT transformations.

LIPA partnered with leading enterprise software provider TechnologyOne to rapidly roll out its OneEducation platform using its innovative SaaS+ model.

SaaS+ delivers the benefits of new technology faster through a commercial model that avoids traditional upfront implementation fees - reducing the risk of time and cost blowouts associated with digital transformation.

TechnologyOne’s OneEducation delivers front-of-house student services and core business operations in one system, providing LIPA students with a one-stop-shop for student services from admissions to graduation available on any device, anywhere, at any time.

The system automates and consolidates key student data, transforming it into actionable insights that support wellbeing, academic performance, and engagement. By moving away from legacy systems to a secure, scalable SaaS solution, LIPA is saving time and resources while gaining the agility to respond to evolving educational needs.

Sean McNamara, Principal and CEO at LIPA said, “The successful implementation of TechnologyOne marks a significant milestone for LIPA. This new system is already transforming the way we work – making our processes more efficient, more connected, and better able to support both staff and students. It’s an investment in our future, giving us the tools we need to continue delivering an outstanding experience for everyone in the LIPA community.”

Michael Mercer, Director of Students at LIPA said, “TechnologyOne’s experience in higher education meant they spoke our language from day one, which made workshops, configuration, and decision-making much more straightforward. Their structured approach and clear guidance helped simplify complex tasks, and their team was always on hand to offer support and reassurance.”

Phase two of LIPA’s digital transformation will integrate TechnologyOne’s Financials product, which will enable finance teams to more accurately forecast revenue and track spending.

Stuart MacDonald, Chief Operating Officer at TechnologyOne, said, “Universities have been trapped for too long by legacy systems that are expensive to maintain and slow to adapt. What we offer is speed, predictability, and a model that doesn't incentivise long, costly delays. We’re seeing a growing number of institutions move away from big consultancy-driven models and towards solutions that deliver value from day one, and LIPA’s implementation is proof that it can be done.”

With more than 90 higher education customers across the UK, TechnologyOne partners with two thirds of the UK’s higher education institutions and continues to expand its footprint by delivering solutions that are secure, intuitive, and built specifically for tertiary institutions.