What Is WordPress Multisite?

WordPress Multisite is a feature that allows you to run multiple WordPress websites from a single installation. All sites share the same core WordPress files and plugins, but each has its own content, users, and settings.

Single Site vs Multisite

Most InnerMedia school websites run as single-site WordPress installations. However, Multisite can be useful for school groups or trusts that manage multiple schools.

Feature Single Site Multisite
Best for Individual schools, standalone websites School groups, trusts, multi-campus setups
Management Simple — one site, one dashboard Centralised — manage all sites from one super admin
Plugins Installed per site Installed once, available to all sites
Themes One theme per site Themes available network-wide, activated per site
Updates Update each site individually Update once, applied across the network
Hosting Standard WordPress hosting Requires more server resources, careful planning

When Multisite Makes Sense

Multisite is worth considering if you have three or more school websites that share the same design template, need centralised user management, or want to reduce maintenance overhead by updating plugins and themes once for all sites.

🏫 School Groups

InnerMedia has experience setting up Multisite networks for school groups. If you manage multiple schools and want to explore this option, get in touch and we will advise on the best approach.

Limitations to Consider

Multisite adds complexity. Not all plugins are Multisite-compatible, site-specific customisations can be more complex to manage, and a problem with the shared core can affect all sites. For most individual schools, a standard single-site installation is simpler, more flexible, and easier to maintain.