Top 5 IT challenges

Cybersecurity threats and data protection

Schools are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals due to the sensitive data they handle. In 2025, threats such as ransomware, phishing, and data breaches remain of significant concern.

Compliance with data protection regulations, like the UK's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), continues to put pressure on schools to invest in security infrastructure and staff training.

Aging infrastructure and budget constraints

Many schools still rely on outdated hardware, software, and networks. With limited budgets, upgrading IT systems to meet modern educational demands, particularly for cloud services, hybrid learning environments, and AI tools, remains a challenging task.

Digital inclusion and access inequality

Despite government initiatives to bridge the digital divide, not all students have equal access to digital devices or reliable internet at home. This disparity negatively impacts learning outcomes, especially when digital platforms play a central role in teaching and homework.

Staff digital skills and training

Teachers and support staff often lack the training necessary to effectively utilise modern educational technology. In 2025, there remains a gap between the rapid advancement of EdTech tools, such as AI-powered learning platforms, and educators' ability to use them proficiently.

Integration and management of EdTech tools

With a surge in education apps, learning management systems, and digital content providers, schools face challenges in creating a cohesive, secure, and user-friendly ecosystem. Managing licenses, user access, and interoperability can be overwhelming for IT departments.