The Key to Achieving an A**In  Cybersecurity & DfE Compliance for Schools and Colleges

Cyber threats targeting UK schools, colleges, and special post-16 institutions (SPIs) are increasing at an alarming rate. Recognising this risk, the UK Department for Education (DfE) has mandated Cyber Essentials certification for all colleges and SPIs in the 2024/25 funding year.

However, compliance alone is not enough. To truly protect student data, financial records, and IT systems, institutions must move beyond Cyber Essentials to achieve an A+ cybersecurity standard.

In this guide, we'll explore:

• What Cyber Essentials is and how it works
• Why it's critical for meeting DfE cybersecurity standards
• The need for ongoing security measures beyond compliance
• How colleges and SPIs can achieve the A+ standard

What is Cyber Essentials?

Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed cybersecurity certification that helps organisations protect against common cyber threats. It provides a structured framework to secure IT systems and prevent phishing, malware, and ransomware attacks.

The Cyber Essentials Framework – 5 Key Security Controls

1. Firewalls & Internet Security – Preventing unauthorised access to school networks.
2. Secure Configuration – Ensuring IT systems are correctly set up to minimise risks.
3. Access Control – Restricting system access to only authorised users.
4. Malware Protection – Detecting and preventing viruses and ransomware attacks.
5. Patch Management – Regularly updating software to fix vulnerabilities.

Cyber Essentials vs. Cyber Essentials Plus

• Cyber Essentials (Basic) – A self-assessment certification proving compliance with essential security controls.
• Cyber Essentials Plus – A more advanced certification that includes independent testing and vulnerability assessments.

By achieving Cyber Essentials, schools and colleges meet the DfE's baseline security requirements, but ongoing security measures are essential to ensure year-round cyber resilience.

The Growing Cybersecurity Threat in Education

• 126 cyber incidents were reported by the ICO (Information Commissioner's Office) in 2023.
• 27 cyberattacks on UK schools were recorded in the first quarter of 2024 alone.
• Ransomware attacks have caused multiple UK institutions to shut down, disrupting learning for thousands of students.

Colleges and SPIs are prime targets for cybercriminals, as they store valuable personal data, including:

• Student records & exam results
• Financial transactions & payroll details
• Staff email accounts & private information
• Research & intellectual property

Without robust cybersecurity measures, schools face the threat of :

• Data breaches exposing personal & financial data
• Ransomware attacks disrupting education and demanding payment.
• Regulatory fines for failing to meet DfE and GDPR compliance
• Reputational damage leading to loss of trust from students & parents

Cyber Essentials: The Key to Achieving DfE Cybersecurity Standards for Schools

Cyber Essentials directly aligns with the DFE cybersecurity framework, helping schools:

• Annual Cyber Risk Assessments → Cyber Essentials requires schools to regularly review cyber risks and identify vulnerabilities.
• Cyber Awareness for Staff & Students → The certification promotes cybersecurity training, ensuring everyone recognises phishing attempts and security threats.
• Secure Networks & Data Protection → Schools must implement firewalls, anti-malware, and secure configurations—all covered under Cyber Essentials.
• Access Control & User Privileges → Cyber Essentials enforces strong password policies and multi-factor authentication (MFA) to protect accounts.
• Up-to-date Software & Licensing → Schools must regularly update software, patch vulnerabilities, and maintain secure systems—all key Cyber Essentials principles.
• Data Backup & Recovery Plans → Cyber Essentials reinforces secure backup strategies, ensuring schools can recover lost data.
• Incident Reporting & Response → Schools are required to report cyber incidents and implement incident response plans, which Cyber Essentials supports.

Beyond Compliance: Achieving Cyber Essentials A+

While Cyber Essentials lays a strong cybersecurity foundation, continuous security measures must complement it to maintain year-round protection.

To achieve an A+ in cybersecurity, institutions should implement the following:

Monthly Penetration Testing – Simulating cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities before hackers do.

Regular Vulnerability Assessments – Scanning for security flaws and proactively fixing them.

Continuous Security Audits – Ensuring compliance and security posture remain strong all year round.

Without these additional safeguards, schools and colleges risk:

• New vulnerabilities emerging between certification renewals
• Delayed detection of cyber threats
• A false sense of security that compliance alone is enough

The Gold Standard: Benefits of Cyber Essentials & Ongoing Compliance 

1. Strengthening Cyber Defences

• Reduces the risk of cyberattacks by 80% through strong security controls.
• Protects student and staff data from breaches and identity theft.
• Secures online learning platforms and remote access systems.

2. Ensuring Business Continuity

• Prevents IT disruptions that could shut down education.
• Reduces the risk of financial losses from ransomware attacks.
• Supports long-term IT infrastructure resilience.

3. Meeting Compliance & Legal Requirements

• Aligns with DfE funding mandates for colleges and SPIs.
• Helps institutions meet GDPR and UK data protection laws.
• Avoids regulatory fines and penalties for security failures.

4. Building Trust & Reputation

• Demonstrates commitment to data security for students, parents, and stakeholders.
• Improves credibility for funding applications and government contracts.
• Positions the institution as a leader in cybersecurity best practices.

How Can Colleges & SPIs Achieve An A+ in Cyber Essentials?

• Start with Cyber Essentials Basic to meet DfE requirements.
• Upgrade to Cyber Essentials Plus for an independent security validation.

Step 2: Implement Ongoing Cybersecurity Measures

• Conduct monthly penetration testing to find security gaps.
• Schedule regular vulnerability assessments to detect and fix weaknesses.
• Perform continuous compliance reviews to stay ahead of cyber threats.

Step 3: Strengthen Cybersecurity Awareness & Training

• Educate staff and students on cybersecurity best practices.
• Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) to secure logins.
• Ensure all devices and software are updated with the latest security patches.
  
  

Final Thoughts: Future-Proofing Schools with Cyber Essentials

Cyber Essentials is not just about compliance—it's about building a culture of security in education. By achieving Cyber Essentials A+, schools go beyond the basics to create a fully secure, resilient, and DfE-compliant learning environment.

Get Certified. Get Secure. Be Compliant