Let me break it down for you.
Cybercrime used to feel like something that happened to big banks or faceless corporations. Not anymore. These days, schools are just as much in the crosshairs of cyber threat - and if the latest government findings are anything to go by, the danger’s not just theoretical... it’s already arrived.
The 2025 Cyber Security Breaches Survey tells us that 60% of secondary schools and 44% of primary schools in the UK experienced cyber breaches in the past year. That’s not a handful of unlucky institutions - that’s nearly half of all schools. Sit with that for a second. Imagine half the classrooms in your area losing access to their digital learning tools, lesson plans, or worse - student records - because someone clicked the wrong link.
Why Schools Are Prime Targets
Now you might be wondering, "Why would anyone target a school?" Fair question. But schools are ideal for cybercriminals.
They hold a treasure trove of sensitive information - pupil data, parent contact details, financial records, payroll. On top of that, many operate with tight budgets, outdated systems, and overstretched IT resources. Some still rely on basic antivirus software and haven’t trained their staff to spot common phishing attempts. Combine that with hundreds of users logging in daily across devices, and you've got a soft target.
And the criminals? They’re not amateurs. These are organised, persistent, and professional groups who know exactly where to poke for weaknesses.
Take It Personally - Because Hackers Do
Look, I get it. You’ve got budgets to manage, inspections to prepare for, and lessons to deliver. But cybercrime doesn’t care about any of that. It doesn’t wait until after SATs or end-of-term to strike.
Cybersecurity shouldn’t be “another thing” on your to-do list. It should be baked into the everyday running of your school - like safeguarding and health & safety and no, it doesn’t mean becoming an IT expert. It means asking the right questions, putting a few smart systems in place, and working with someone who knows what they’re doing.
What Happens When a Breach Hits?
It’s not just about losing access to files for a few hours. It’s about broken trust, safeguarding issues, disrupted learning, and sleepless nights for senior leaders. Imagine the fallout if sensitive information about your pupils or staff got leaked. Parents would be furious. Ofsted would be knocking. The local authority would want answers. And your staff? They’d feel helpless.
The 2025 survey highlighted that many schools still don’t have a formal incident response plan, meaning they’re left to improvise under pressure when disaster strikes.
Your First Step? Awareness.
The first step isn’t installing new software - it’s awareness. It’s understanding your vulnerabilities and getting clear on your current setup.
If your IT support hasn’t had this conversation with you recently, that’s a red flag.
To Find Out More Book Your Appointment Here
Fill out the form below to book your free Cyber Security Audit and see how your school stacks up when it comes to cybersecurity.
Or if you'd rather just talk it through, you can book a quick, no-obligation 10-minute call with our Managing Director and cybersecurity expert, Mark Cronin, right here:
