I’ve always felt that the most valuable part of iAbacus isn’t actually the software itself—it’s the thinking it facilitates. For a long time, the frameworks and toolkits we’ve used sat behind a login screen. Schools used them to transform their self-evaluations and action plans, but unless you were already "in" the system, you couldn’t really see the depth of what was available.
That’s always bothered me a little. As the creator of iAbacus, I wanted to make it easier for school leaders to see exactly how we can help before they even think about signing up. So, we’ve taken the Template Library and made it publicly available at templates.iabacus.com.
Not just a database, but a resource
I am quite excited by this because it makes it very easy for people to see what templates are in the system. It’s a much more visual experience now; we’ve included screenshots of the templates so you can see the "beads" and the structure in action before you even start.
It is definitely not just a dry database. Each template has its own dedicated page where we’ve really tried to provide context:
- Who is this for? We define the specific roles (e.g., MAT CEOs, Headteachers, or Subject Leads) the template is designed for.
- Why use it? We explain the strategic purpose and the specific benefits of using that framework.
- How it works: A breakdown of the core "Areas" and "Levels" that guide the evaluation process.
- Source Material: We include all relevant links to the official criteria—such as Department for Education guidance or inspection handbooks—that informed the template, so you know exactly what is driving the content.
Finding what matters to you
We know that a primary school in Cardiff has very different needs than a MAT CEO in Manchester or a principal in Dublin. To make things simple, the library is searchable and we've tagged and categorised everything by role, school type, and country.
We have dedicated sections for all the nations we support:
- England: You’ll find our latest templates mapped specifically to the Ofsted toolkit, including comprehensive versions for State-funded schools and Initial Teacher Education.
- Scotland: Built around HGIOS?4 and including resources like Scotland’s Equity Toolkit.
- Wales: Aligned with the NR:EI and the new Curriculum for Wales.
- Ireland: Featuring frameworks like Looking at Our School 2022 and DEIS action planning.
- Northern Ireland: Mirroring the ETI quality indicators.
It’s only going to get bigger
This library is a living project. As the educational landscape changes—and we all know it changes fast—we’ll be adding more templates to keep pace.
If you want to stay in the loop, I’d love for you to subscribe to the library. We’ll send you an update whenever a new toolkit or framework is released. It’s a great way to stay on top of new templates as they are released, ensuring your school’s self-evaluation stays current without you having to go hunting for the latest guidance yourself.
Go take a look around and let me know what you think. I hope this library becomes a genuine resource for you—a place where the right framework is always easy to find, helping you see a clear path forward for your school.
