Navigating the New Cybersecurity Standards for UK Schools and Colleges
The Department of Education’s updated digital and technology standards will significantly change how educational institutions manage their data security.
Here's what you need to know
UK schools and colleges face mounting pressure to protect their sensitive data and systems.
In response to these challenges, the Department for Education (DfE) has recently updated its digital and technology standards, with notable changes to cybersecurity requirements that demand immediate attention from educational leaders.
Key Changes to the Standards
The recent updates to the DfE’s digital and technology standards reflect a strategic shift in how educational institutions should approach cybersecurity. Among the most significant changes:
Information Asset Register Requirement
Schools and colleges are now advised to maintain comprehensive records of their information assets using the DfE’s dedicated information asset register template. This structured approach to data management represents a fundamental shift from ad-hoc practices that have traditionally left institutions vulnerable.
An information asset register serves as a detailed inventory of all data held by an institution, documenting what information is stored, where it resides, who has access to it, and how it’s protected. By implementing this register, schools and colleges can:
- Identify critical data requiring enhanced protection
- Recognise redundant, obsolete, or trivial data that can be safely disposed of
- Ensure appropriate security controls are in place for sensitive information
- Demonstrate compliance with data protection regulations
Organisational Changes
References to the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) have been removed from the standards, reflecting its closure at the end of March 2025. This administrative change signals the DfE’s consolidation of oversight responsibilities and streamlining of governance structures.
For schools and colleges, this means direct accountability to the DfE regarding digital standards compliance, potentially simplifying reporting lines but also removing an intermediary layer that some institutions may have relied upon for guidance.
Why These Changes Matter
These updates aren’t merely administrative tweaks—they represent a significant evolution in how educational institutions must approach cybersecurity. The emphasis on structured information asset management acknowledges that you can’t protect what you don’t know you have.
There has been a troubling rise in cyber incidents targeting the education sector in recent years. According to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), 78% of UK schools reported at least one security incident in 2023, with ransomware attacks proving particularly disruptive. The average cost of a data breach in the education sector now exceeds £75,000—a financial burden few institutions can absorb without a significant impact on educational provision.
By implementing these new standards, the DfE aims to reduce both the frequency and impact of such incidents, protecting not only institutional operations but also sensitive student and staff data.
Practical Implementation Steps
If your school or college is working to align with these updated standards, consider the following practical steps:
- Conduct a Comprehensive Data Audit
Before you can complete the DfE’s information asset register, you need to know what data you hold. This involves:
- Identifying all databases, file shares, cloud storage, and physical records
- Cataloguing the types of information stored (personal data, financial records, academic information)
- Documenting data flows between systems and external parties
- Determining retention periods and legal bases for processing
This audit should involve stakeholders from across your institution, as department heads often have the best understanding of the information their teams manage.
- Prioritise Based on Risk
Not all information assets carry equal risk. When implementing new security controls, prioritise based on the following:
- Sensitivity of the data (special category personal data deserves highest priority)
- Volume of records (larger datasets typically present greater risk)
- Accessibility (widely accessible information may require additional protections)
- Potential impact if compromised (consider operational, reputational, and compliance implications)
- Review Access Controls
One of the most effective security measures is ensuring that only authorised individuals can access sensitive information. Review your access management by:
- Implementing the principle of least privilege, granting users only the access they need to perform their roles
- Regularly auditing user accounts and removing those no longer required
- Enforcing strong password policies and, where possible, multi-factor authentication
- Maintaining detailed logs of data access and modification
- Develop Incident Response Procedures
Despite best efforts, security incidents may still occur. Having clear incident response procedures helps minimise damage and recovery time. Ensure your plan includes the following:
- Detection mechanisms to identify potential breaches
- Escalation protocols defining who should be notified and when
- Containment strategies to limit the spread of an attack
- Recovery processes to restore systems and data
- Reporting procedures to fulfil legal and regulatory obligations
- Invest in Staff Training
Technology alone cannot secure your institution. Your staff represent both your greatest vulnerability and your strongest defence against cyber threats. Regular training should cover the following:
- Recognising phishing attempts and social engineering tactics
- Safe handling of sensitive information
- Secure password practices and the importance of multi-factor authentication
- The specific requirements of your information security policies
The Broader Technology Standards Context
While information asset management represents a crucial component of the updated standards, it’s important to view these changes within the broader context of the DfE’s digital strategy. The standards also address:
Cloud-first approaches to technology deployment
Interoperability requirements to ensure systems can securely share data when needed
Accessibility standards to ensure digital resources are available to all users
Sustainable IT practices to reduce environmental impact
These elements combine to create a holistic framework for technology management in education, with security serving as the foundation upon which other capabilities are built.
Looking Ahead
As cyber threats continue to evolve, we can expect further refinements to these standards. Educational institutions should view compliance not as a one-time exercise but as an ongoing commitment to security maturity.
The removal of the ESFA from the standards framework may signal further consolidation of digital governance in education. Schools and colleges should monitor DfE communications for guidance on how these changes might affect reporting relationships and support mechanisms.
Conclusion
The DfE’s updated digital and technology standards, particularly the emphasis on information asset management, represent a significant step forward in securing UK educational institutions. By implementing these standards with diligence and commitment, schools and colleges can not only protect themselves from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats but also build the foundation for more efficient, effective digital operations.
For technology leaders in education, these changes offer an opportunity to elevate cybersecurity discussions to senior leadership level, securing the resources and attention this critical area deserves. In doing so, they help ensure that technology continues to enhance rather than hinder educational excellence.
CHI Technology helps educational institutions implement robust cybersecurity practices aligned with the latest DfE standards. Contact our specialist education team to discuss how we can support your compliance journey.
