Keeping the School Network Safe
Cyber security · Cyber Essentials aligned
Check your school's email security Enter your school's email domain to find out if your email address can be faked by hackers. Takes 5 seconds.
Does your school have a firewall in place that protects the network from internet-based threats? A firewall is the "front door" of your network. Your IT provider should be able to confirm one is in place.
Are software and security updates installed regularly on all school computers, laptops and tablets? Outdated devices are the most common way schools get hacked. Updates should happen automatically or be scheduled monthly.
When staff log in to school email or systems, do they need a second step to verify it's really them — such as a code sent to their phone? Sometimes called two-step or two-factor login. Without it, a stolen password gives a hacker full access.
Does every school computer and laptop have up-to-date antivirus or security software installed?
Are your school's files backed up somewhere separate from the school site — and has the backup been tested in the last 12 months? A backup on the same network won't survive a ransomware attack. Off-site backups need to be tested, not just set up and forgotten.
Keeping Pupils Safe Online
Filtering & monitoring · KCSIE requirement
Is inappropriate or harmful content automatically blocked when pupils use school devices or the school internet?
When school devices are used off-site — for example, staff working from home or pupils on loan laptops — is filtering and monitoring still applied? KCSIE now expects schools to consider online safety beyond the school gates. If you don't issue devices, mark Yes.
Does your Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) receive alerts when a pupil or staff member searches for or accesses something concerning online?
Has someone formally reviewed your school's filtering and monitoring setup within the last 12 months? An annual review is expected under KCSIE — this can be done with your IT or safeguarding provider.
Network & Internet
Infrastructure · DfE Standards
Check your school's internet speed Run a quick test to see how fast your connection is right now. Takes about 10 seconds.
Testing…
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Mbps
How many devices are on your network?
-- Mbps / device
Does the WiFi work reliably in every classroom and teaching space — without staff having to move around to get a signal?
Are staff and pupils on completely separate networks, so pupils cannot accidentally access staff files or admin systems?
If your main internet connection failed tomorrow, does your school have a backup connection so teaching and admin can continue? Particularly important if your phone system, SIMS or online assessments rely on the internet.
Staff Access & Training
People & access management
When a member of staff leaves, are their logins and access to all school systems turned off on their last day? Ex-staff retaining access (email, SIMS, shared drives) is one of the most common and avoidable security risks in schools.
Do staff only have access to the files and systems they actually need for their role — rather than everything on the school network?
Have all staff received cyber security or phishing awareness training in the last 12 months? Most successful attacks on schools start with a staff member clicking a fake email. Training is the single best defence.
Is the room or cupboard housing your school's IT equipment kept locked, with access limited to authorised people?
Policies & Planning
Governance · GDPR · DfE Standards
Does your school have an IT and online safety policy that governors have reviewed in the last 12 months?
Does your school have a named Data Protection Officer (DPO) responsible for how pupil and staff data is handled?
If your school was hit by a cyber attack or a major IT failure tomorrow, would your team know exactly what to do — and have you ever practised it? Schools with a written, rehearsed plan recover far faster and face less scrutiny from the ICO.
Has your school reviewed its IT setup against the DfE's Digital and Technology Standards in the last 2 years? These are the government's official expectations for school technology. Most schools haven't done a formal check.
Ready to see your results?
You'll get an instant score, a breakdown by area, and a list of priority gaps to address.
School IT Self-Assessment Report
0
out of 20
Your breakdown by area
Your priority areas
These are the items you marked as No or weren't sure about, with the highest-risk gaps shown first.
Share with your governors Print or save a clean copy of your results to bring to your next governors' meeting.
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