Planning Your 2026 IT Budget

A Practical Guide for Schools and MATs

As schools and multi academy trusts look ahead to 2026, IT budgeting is no longer about one off purchases. It’s about long term resilience, compliance, and value for money.

Rising cyber risks, growing digital demand in classrooms, and evolving Department for Education (DfE) standards mean technology planning now plays a central role in educational strategy.

Many school leaders are asking the same questions:

• Are our systems fit for the future?
• Are we meeting DfE digital and technology standards?
• How can we invest wisely without reacting to issues too late?

At Tel Group, we support schools and MATs to plan IT budgets that are realistic, compliant, and sustainable. Below are the key areas to consider when shaping your 2026 IT budget.

Core Network Infrastructure

Your network underpins everything, teaching devices, safeguarding systems, cloud platforms, and communications. If it is slow or unreliable, disruption is felt across the entire organisation.

When reviewing your network, it’s important to assess whether:

• Wi-Fi coverage reaches all classrooms and operational areas
• Performance remains stable during peak usage
• The network can support increasing device density

Modern Wi-Fi solutions such as Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 provide improved speed, reliability, and scalability. Factoring network upgrades into your 2026 budget helps prevent performance issues that directly impact learning.

Reliable broadband is equally critical. DfE guidance highlights the need for fast, resilient connectivity to support cloud services, digital assessments, safeguarding tools, and secure remote access. Including backup connectivity on a separate network improves resilience and reduces the risk of downtime.

Cloud Solutions and Data Resilience

Cloud platforms continue to shape how schools operate, offering flexibility, security, and long term cost efficiency.

When planning for 2026, budgets should consider:

• Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace licensing and optimisation
• Secure cloud migration aligned with DfE expectations
• Identity and access management and compliant data backup

As more systems move away from onsite hardware, cloud readiness and data resilience are no longer optional. Cloud backup and recovery protects schools from ransomware, accidental deletion, and hardware failure, ensuring continuity and compliance.

Cyber Security and Risk Management

Cyber threats facing schools continue to increase, driven by the volume of sensitive data held across education settings. A strong cyber security strategy protects pupils, staff, and operations while supporting compliance with DfE Cyber Security Standards.

Key areas to budget for include:

• Multi Factor Authentication (MFA)
• Firewalls, web filtering, and endpoint protection
• Secure email systems and anti-phishing tools
• Ongoing staff cyber awareness training

Effective cyber security is not just about tools, it’s about a layered, sustainable approach to managing risk.

Classroom Technology and Equipment

Modern teaching relies on reliable, well-supported classroom technology. When planning for 2026, schools should consider both teaching tools and the infrastructure that supports them.

Typical budget considerations include managed devices, interactive displays, audio-visual solutions, structured cabling, and server room improvements. Planning these upgrades as part of a wider IT strategy avoids piecemeal purchasing and delivers better long term value.

IT Management and Ongoing Support

IT management and support has recently been added to the DfE digital standards, reflecting its importance in maintaining secure and reliable systems.

Including managed IT support in your 2026 budget helps:

• Prevent disruption through proactive monitoring
• Reduce risk with regular maintenance and audits
• Provide predictable costs and clear service levels

Beyond day to day support, long term planning is essential. Strategic IT planning, audits, and a clear multi-year roadmap allow schools and MATs to move away from reactive spending towards planned, strategic investment.

Making Your 2026 IT Budget Work Harder

Planning your 2026 IT budget doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right partner, schools and MATs can take a proactive, structured approach that supports learning, compliance, and financial sustainability.

Tel Group supports education settings with:

• Full-fibre broadband and resilient connectivity
• Secure Wi-Fi and network infrastructure
• Cyber security and backup solutions
• Managed IT support and strategic planning
• Safeguarding, communications, and security technology

Whether you’re upgrading infrastructure, strengthening cyber defences, or looking for an IT support partner, our team can help you build a clear, cost effective IT plan for 2026 and beyond.

Enquire Today