2026/27 School Technology Checklist

04 September, 2026

Is Your School’s Technology Ready for the Year Ahead?

The start of a new academic year is a valuable opportunity to review your school’s technology, identify outstanding risks and plan future improvements.

From IT infrastructure and cyber security to communications and site security, every system should work together to provide a reliable, safe and effective environment for staff and pupils.

The Department for Education recommends that all schools work towards meeting six core Digital and Technology Standards by 2030:

Broadband internet
Wireless networks
Network switching
Digital leadership and governance
Filtering and monitoring
Cyber security

Schools should also continue to consider the wider standards covering devices, cabling, servers, cloud services, accessibility and IT support.

Why Review Your Technology?

Technology requirements change as schools introduce new devices, cloud services and online learning platforms. Without regular review, ageing equipment, expired licences and temporary fixes can begin to affect performance, security and reliability.

A structured review can help your school:

Identify urgent risks and unsupported technology
Improve reliability and cyber security
Plan upgrades around available budgets
Support future teaching and operational needs
Work towards the DfE Digital and Technology Standards

Your 2026/27 School Technology Checklist

Use this checklist to review your school’s current position and identify priorities for the year ahead.

Strategy and Management

Assign an SLT member responsibility for digital technology
Review your digital technology strategy and improvement roadmap
Update asset, contract and information asset registers
Record equipment age, warranty and end-of-support dates
Include technology in business continuity and disaster recovery plans
Confirm your IT support remains suitable for your school’s needs

Broadband, Wi-Fi and Networks

Check your broadband provides the capacity required across the school
Confirm whether a full fibre connection is available
Put an appropriate backup connection and failover arrangement in place
Review Wi-Fi coverage, capacity and recurring connection issues
Confirm wireless access points and network switches are centrally managed
Check that switches, cabling and cabinets can support current and future demand
Replace unsupported or underperforming network equipment
Specify Wi-Fi 7 when an upgrade is required, in line with current DfE guidance

Cyber Security and Data Protection

Complete an annual cyber risk assessment and review it every term
Enable multi-factor authentication for staff cloud, remote-access and administrator accounts
Remove unused accounts and restrict access according to users’ roles
Keep operating systems, applications and firmware licensed and supported
Maintain appropriate anti-malware and firewall protection
Apply qualifying critical and high-risk security fixes within 14 days
Provide regular cyber awareness activities for staff and pupils
Maintain a clear process for reporting and responding to cyber incidents

Filtering and Monitoring

Confirm your filtering and monitoring systems remain appropriate
Review provision at least once during the academic year
Test filtering from both safeguarding and technical perspectives
Record checks, findings and any actions taken
Confirm protection applies across all school-managed devices
Review arrangements when introducing new devices or generative AI tools
Ensure relevant safeguarding staff can access and respond to reports

Backup, Cloud and Servers

Review your backup and recovery plan
Include important information held in cloud services
Maintain at least three copies of important data across two separate devices, with one copy kept off-site
Test and record backup restoration every term
Check that servers and storage remain secure, supported and resilient
Review user access and data protection across cloud systems

Devices and Classroom Technology

Check laptops, desktops and tablets remain supported and secure
Identify ageing or unreliable classroom devices
Review interactive displays, audio-visual equipment and peripherals
Confirm devices meet the needs of staff and pupils
Plan replacements through a manageable lifecycle programme
Consider accessibility, energy efficiency and secure disposal

Communications and Site Security

Review your telephone system ahead of the January 2027 analogue network switch-off
Identify alarms, lifts, payment terminals or other equipment using analogue lines
Check that emergency and lockdown alerts reach the entire school site
Review CCTV coverage, recording and equipment condition
Check door access and visitor management arrangements
Confirm security systems are maintained, supported and tested

Identify and Prioritise Your Next Steps

Schools do not need to complete every improvement at once. Begin with issues affecting safeguarding, cyber security, legal obligations or essential school operations.

Other improvements can be placed into a phased technology roadmap based on:

Risk and urgency
Educational impact
Available budget
Equipment lifecycle
DfE standards alignment
Planned building or technology projects

This gives senior leaders, governors and trustees a clear basis for future investment decisions.

Understand Your Position with a DfE Standards Audit

Tel Group’s DfE Digital and Technology Standards Audit assesses your current provision against all 12 areas of the guidance.

The audit provides:

An independent review of current technology
A RAG-rated overview of each standard
Identification of risks and compliance gaps
Clear recommendations and costings
A prioritised improvement roadmap
Trust-wide benchmarking where required

Tel Group can also support the delivery of recommended improvements, from IT infrastructure and cyber security to connectivity, communications and security systems.