A Guide to the Updated DfE Digital and Technology Standards and Funding

As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, the Department for Education (DfE) has recently updated its Digital and Technology Standards to ensure schools are equipped to meet current challenges and keep pace. 

At Dataspire, we’re committed to helping you navigate these changes effectively and are offering schools a FREE DIGITAL STRATEGY DESIGN WORKSHOP to complement the summary of changes below:

Key Updates in the Standards

The latest guidance from the DfE reinforces the importance of a strategic approach to technology in schools, with several important focus areas that impact your school’s digital strategy:

–

UPDATED: Broadband Standards

Full-fibre connections are now the benchmark. Investing in the fastest, most affordable speed delivers multiple benefits, allowing teachers to use online resources confidently, teaching quality improves, and saving schools money through cloud-based solutions.

➡️ What This Means for Your School

Your school needs to evaluate its current broadband infrastructure against the full-fibre standard. This isn’t just about speed—it’s about reliability and future-proofing. You’ll need to:

  • Assess whether your connection supports simultaneous high-bandwidth activities across classrooms
  • Consider how your current speeds impact cloud adoption and digital learning tools
  • Evaluate the cost-benefit of upgrading, factoring in potential savings from cloud migration
  • Plan for capacity that accommodates growing digital demands, particularly for video content and online assessment tools
–
UPDATED: Cybersecurity Standards

With the Education and Skills Funding Agency closing in March 2025, schools must now record asset information through the DfE information asset register. It was also noted that DfE Cyber Security standards differ from Cyber Essentials by being specifically tailored for educational environments across all phases.

➡️ What This Means for Your School

Your cybersecurity approach needs to align with education-specific requirements. This involves:

  • Transitioning to the DfE information asset register as soon as possible
  • Reviewing your security measures against education-specific threats rather than generic business standards
  • Implementing safeguards that protect sensitive pupil data while maintaining accessibility for legitimate educational purposes
  • Training staff on education-specific security protocols that balance protection with practical classroom needs
  • Ensuring your security measures cover all school environments, including remote learning settings
–
UPDATED: Digital Leadership and Governance Standards

Schools must maintain comprehensive hardware and system registers. This practice helps track and manage digital assets effectively while ensuring value for money in purchasing and licensing.

➡️ What This Means for Your School

Your leadership team needs robust oversight of all digital assets. This requires:

  • Creating and maintaining detailed records of all hardware, software, and digital subscriptions
  • Establishing clear responsibility for digital asset management within your leadership structure
  • Developing procurement processes that evaluate total cost of ownership, not just purchase price
  • Implementing licence management systems to avoid unnecessary duplication or overspending
  • Regular auditing of digital assets to identify underutilised resources and opportunities for consolidation
  • Alignment of your digital strategy with your school improvement plan and educational objectives
–
UPDATED: Network Switching Standards

The standards now highlight the significant costs of maintaining inadequate network switching and security, particularly emphasising the risks during power outages.

➡️ What This Means for Your School

Your network infrastructure requires assessment against reliability and emergency planning standards:

  • Evaluating whether your current switching equipment meets modern educational demands
  • Planning for resilience during power disruptions, including UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) systems
  • Considering segmentation strategies to protect critical educational systems from security breaches
  • Assessing the hidden costs of network downtime on teaching and administrative functions
  • Ensuring your network can prioritise educational applications during periods of high demand
  • Planning upgrade paths that minimise disruption to teaching and learning
–
UPDATED: Wireless Networks Standards

While Wi-Fi 7 is the latest technology, schools must have, at minimum, a Wi-Fi 6 solution to meet current standards. The government is supporting this transition with a £45 million investment in school infrastructure, including £25 million specifically for wireless network upgrades this year. Speak to us to learn more.

➡️ What This Means for Your School

Your wireless infrastructure needs to meet or exceed Wi-Fi 6 standards, with plans for future upgrades:

  • Auditing your current wireless coverage for dead zones and capacity limitations
  • Planning for high-density environments like exam halls and assembly spaces
  • Contacting Dataspire to help you prepare applications for available funding under the £25m wireless upgrade programme
  • Considering how improved wireless will support your mobile device strategy
  • Ensuring your wireless security protocols protect student data without impeding legitimate access

–

CLAIM YOUR FREE DIGITAL STRATEGY DESIGN WORKSHOP

As only 63% of schools believe they are meeting the digital standards*, Dataspire is offering Schools and Trusts a FREE Digital Strategy Design Workshop, helping you transform your digital future and create strategic plans to meet the DfE Digital and Technology Standards. This complimentary session will review, assess and design a clear roadmap for all 11 of the standards and support the government’s mission to ensure that no child is left behind. Simply complete the form below ⬇️

 

 

Additional Resources

Claim Your FREE Digital Strategy Design Workshop