I'm not ATC so forgive me if I ask a stupid question (however a stupid question is better than a stupid mistake!)
Why not get the Tactical to run the Planner role on sectors where most of the traffic is on Standing Agreements and let the electronics handle the co-ordination? If the problem is the number of assistants then get the planner to do the assistants job as well?
Also for my info how long does it take for a student to go from starting at Bournmouth to being able to sit on there own at a LACC Sector?