The Department for Education’s Digital & Technology Standards set out what schools and colleges should have in place to run secure, reliable IT systems. Updated in 2025, these standards will become core requirements by 2030.
They apply to leadership teams, governors, IT staff and suppliers, making them a key part of school IT compliance.
In this guide, we’ll provide a clear checklist of the priorities to focus on, helping you spot gaps, plan improvements and stay aligned with DfE expectations.
What Are the Standards?
The DfE’s Digital & Technology Standards set out eleven categories that schools and colleges are expected to meet.
These cover core areas like broadband, wireless networks, filtering and monitoring, cyber security, devices (laptops, tablets, desktops), servers and storage, network cabling and switching, digital leadership & governance, cloud solutions, and digital accessibility.
Of those eleven, six are considered core standards that all schools and trusts should aim to fully meet by 2030.
Updates & Key Changes in 2025
Earlier in 2025, the DfE made several important updates to the guidance. These changes help clarify expectations and add new technical or process requirements. Some of the key updates include:
Broadband internet standards now include technical requirements for full fibre, plus guidance on using multiple or backup broadband connections to improve resilience
Wireless network standards clarified performance, coverage, and security requirements, including ensuring a fully functional signal across school premises.
Cyber security standards were updated to emphasise the use of the DfE’s information asset register template, keeping registers of hardware and systems up to date, and embedding digital technology in disaster recovery and business continuity planning.
Network switching standards now explicitly mention access control, power requirements, and clarifications around what happens when devices or infrastructure do not meet the required security or reliability levels.
A new register template requirement has been added: schools should maintain asset registers (hardware/systems) and use standard templates provided by the DfE.
The Standards Checklist: What to Prioritise
The DfE sets out eleven categories of digital and technology standards. Below is a practical breakdown of what schools and colleges should be prioritising as they work towards full compliance.
Broadband Internet Standards
Schools are expected to use a full-fibre broadband connection that delivers reliable, high-speed access for all staff and pupils.
There should also be resilience built into the connection, ideally through a secondary or backup line. This ensures that learning and administration are not disrupted by outages.
Wireless Network Standards
A fully functional wireless signal should cover the entire site, not just classrooms. Signal strength must be strong enough to support high-volume use, and networks should be secured against unauthorised access.
This includes setting appropriate permissions for staff, pupils, and guest users.
Network Switching & Cabling Standards
Switches should be able to handle high traffic reliably, with power requirements and access control properly configured. Cabling should meet modern standards (such as Cat 6 or fibre) to ensure speed and resilience.
Redundant connections are recommended so that teaching and administration are not interrupted if one element fails.
Cyber Security Standards
Cyber security is now central to DfE requirements. Schools should have a clear risk assessment and incident response plan, as well as secure user accounts with multi-factor authentication.
Protection should include anti-malware tools, firewalls, and reliable backup systems. These measures reduce the likelihood of a successful cyber attack and make recovery faster if an incident occurs.
Filtering & Monitoring Standards
Filtering and monitoring systems must be in place to protect pupils and staff from harmful or inappropriate content. These systems should apply across all devices, including BYOD (bring your own device) setups.
Roles and responsibilities must be clearly defined, and the effectiveness of filtering reviewed regularly to keep pace with new online risks.
Digital Leadership & Governance
The DfE expects leadership teams to take an active role in digital strategy. This includes maintaining up-to-date registers of hardware, software, and information assets, as well as planning for disaster recovery and business continuity.
Governors and senior leaders should be involved in setting direction and ensuring resources are properly managed.
Digital Accessibility Standards
All digital tools, systems, and content should be accessible to every user, including pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.
This may mean using assistive technologies, ensuring online resources are compatible with accessibility tools, and providing training for staff on inclusive practice.
Device Standards (Laptops, Desktops, Tablets)
Devices should be capable of meeting curriculum and administrative needs, while also being kept secure with up-to-date software and access controls.
Outdated or slow devices should be replaced on a planned cycle, ensuring all users can work effectively without delays or compatibility issues.
Server and Storage Standards
Where servers and storage are used on-site, they should be properly secured, energy-efficient, and placed in an environment with adequate cooling and physical protection
Redundancy is important so that if one system fails, data and services remain accessible.
Planning Your Path to Compliance
Assessing Current Provision
The first step towards meeting DfE standards is a clear-eyed audit of your current infrastructure. Schools should compare what they have in place with what the standards require, from broadband resilience to cyber security practices.
This helps highlight the biggest gaps and risks, whether that’s outdated switches, patchy Wi-Fi, or missing disaster recovery plans.
Prioritising Action & Funding
Not every standard can be addressed at once, so it’s important to prioritise. Core areas like broadband and cyber security often deliver the biggest impact and should be tackled first.
Funding routes such as Connect the Classroom and the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) can help schools access upgrades without putting additional strain on budgets.
Under the March 2025 changes, eligibility for Connect the Classroom is no longer restricted by postcode, any school with substandard networking may now qualify for fully funded upgrades.
Working with Managed Tech Experts Like DMS
Meeting the DfE digital and technology standards is easier with the right partner. At DMS Group, we have over 15 years of experience working with primary, secondary, and multi-academy trusts across the UK.
Our place on DfE-approved procurement frameworks gives schools a compliant, secure, and cost-effective route to upgrade their infrastructure without lengthy tendering processes.
We support schools by:
Conducting free audits of existing infrastructure.
Managing the entire Connect the Classroom application process.
Designing and installing compliant, future-ready solutions with trusted brands like Cisco Meraki, Aruba, Fortinet, and Dell.
Providing long-term support with ongoing training, reviews, and account management.
By working with DMS, schools not only get technical upgrades but also the reassurance of working with a supplier trusted by the Department for Education and accredited to the highest standards (ISO9001, ISO27001, ISO20000-1).
How DMS Group Supports Schools with DfE Standards
Meeting digital and technology standards isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about giving teachers and pupils the right tools to teach and learn effectively, while making sure leadership teams stay compliant and in control.
At DMS, we provide a full range of services designed around the needs of UK schools and colleges.
Managed IT and Network Services
We ensure your IT infrastructure meets DfE specifications. As a DfE-approved framework supplier, we can deliver compliant, future-ready solutions quickly and securely, with the option of Connect the Classroom funding where eligible.
Managed Print and Document Workflow
Sustainability and efficiency go hand-in-hand with compliance. Our managed print and document workflow services for education reduce paper waste, improve cost control, and support data security, while helping schools align with DfE standards on governance and information management.
Audio-Visual and Classroom Technology
From interactive screens to audio systems and classroom management software, we provide solutions that enhance teaching and learning.
These support digital accessibility standards and ensure that staff and students can work with reliable, modern tools.
Cyber Security and Compliance Support
Cyber security is a core DfE standard. We provide endpoint protection, network security, backup solutions, and user awareness training.
Our ISO27001 accreditation underlines our commitment to keeping your data safe and compliant with GDPR.
Ongoing Support and Account Management
Unlike one-off installers, we stay with you long term. With regular reviews, unlimited training, floor walks, and a dedicated account manager, we ensure your school continues to meet evolving DfE standards, year after year.
Monitoring & Maintaining the Standards
Meeting the DfE’s digital and technology standards isn’t a one-off task. Schools and colleges need to treat compliance as an ongoing process, with systems in place to monitor progress and update records as technology, risks, and requirements evolve.
Regular Review & Record Keeping
A key part of compliance is maintaining accurate records. This includes keeping asset registers, contracts, and information asset registers up to date so that leadership always has a clear picture of the school’s digital environment.
Standards such as filtering, monitoring, and cyber security also require regular review. Schools should:
Schedule routine checks of filtering and monitoring systems to ensure they remain effective.
Revisit cyber risk assessments and incident response plans at least annually, or after significant changes.
Log updates and reviews to demonstrate compliance during inspections.
Role of Governance and Leadership
The DfE places responsibility on senior leadership teams (SLTs) and governors to provide oversight. This means ensuring the school not only has compliant systems in place but also that they are used effectively.
Leadership teams should engage with staff, technical leads, and suppliers to make sure responsibilities are clearly defined.
Regular meetings with IT support partners, like DMS Group, help schools stay ahead of new risks and adapt to updated standards without adding unnecessary pressure on in-house teams.
Common Challenges & How to Overcome Them
Even with clear DfE standards, many schools and colleges face barriers when trying to reach compliance. Recognising these challenges early makes it easier to plan realistic solutions.
Budget Constraints & Phased Upgrades
Budgets are often stretched, which can make large-scale upgrades feel out of reach. The best approach is to work in phases, tackling the most critical areas first such as broadband, cyber security, or filtering.
Over time, smaller improvements can bring the school fully in line with standards. Schools can also explore funding routes such as Connect the Classroom or CIF bids to help cover essential infrastructure upgrades.
Technical Skills Gaps
Not every school has an in-house IT team with the expertise to manage complex networks or security systems. In these cases, working with external support providers like DMS can fill the gap.
Partnering with trusted IT vendors or managed service providers allows schools to access technical expertise without hiring additional staff. At the same time, upskilling existing staff through training ensures knowledge is retained internally.
Keeping Up with Evolving Guidance
The DfE regularly updates its digital and technology standards to reflect emerging risks and new technologies. Schools also need to prepare for wider adoption of AI, Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies, and student devices becoming more central to teaching.
Keeping pace requires ongoing monitoring of updates and clear communication between SLTs, IT leads, and suppliers to ensure systems are adapted in good time.
DfE Standards FAQs
What are the six core DfE digital standards by 2030?
The DfE has confirmed that by 2030 all schools and colleges are expected to meet six key standards: broadband internet, wireless networks, filtering and monitoring, network switching, cyber security, and digital leadership and governance.
These are seen as the foundation for safe, reliable digital learning.
Is meeting the standards mandatory or advisory?
The standards are not currently legal requirements, but they are strongly recommended and are increasingly used as benchmarks for compliance, safeguarding, and funding eligibility. Ofsted inspections may also consider whether a school is meeting the guidance.
What happens if a school is not compliant?
Falling short of the standards can lead to unreliable systems, safeguarding risks, and missed opportunities for government funding programmes such as Connect the Classroom.
It can also increase the risk of cyber incidents or downtime that disrupts teaching and administration.
How much does it cost to meet these standards?
Costs vary depending on the size of the school and the state of current infrastructure. Some upgrades, like improving monitoring and filtering, are relatively low cost, while others, such as broadband or switching hardware, can require larger investments. Funding routes are available to help manage these costs.
Which standards are easiest to upgrade first?
Filtering and monitoring, along with leadership and governance, are often the simplest places to start.
Schools can put in place clear responsibilities, policies, and monitoring processes quickly, while planning phased upgrades for infrastructure such as broadband or switches.
How often are the standards updated?
The DfE reviews and updates the digital and technology standards regularly, with the latest update published in March 2025. Schools should check the official guidance at least annually and ensure their IT partners are tracking changes.
Can small primaries or remote schools realistically comply?
Yes. While challenges may be greater for smaller or more remote schools, the DfE’s funding support is designed to help all schools reach the core standards.
Working with trusted IT providers can make upgrades more manageable, whether through phased projects or shared services across multi-academy trusts.
