Cyber Security

Cyber Security for Schools & MATs

Protecting your school, your data, and your community.

Schools and Trusts hold large volumes of sensitive data — pupil records, safeguarding information, financial data, and operational systems. With cyber threats increasing and compliance requirements tightening, cybersecurity is now one of the top regulatory priorities for education providers in the UK.

Oakford has over 20 years’ experience supporting ICT in schools, academies, and MATs, and we offer comprehensive cybersecurity services designed specifically for the education sector.

GDPR Technical Auditing

Understand your risks. Strengthen your compliance.

Our GDPR Technical Audit provides a full review of your organisation’s data protection position, mapped directly against GDPR requirements.

Your audit includes:

Detailed assessment aligned to each GDPR section
Vulnerability scanning to identify risks and weaknesses
Review of data storage, access, retention, and protection
Policy templates including DPIAs and third-party audit forms
Clear recommendations and prioritised remediation steps
Delivery on-site or remotely

This audit helps schools and Trusts demonstrate compliance and provides the technical clarity leadership teams need to make informed decisions.

Vulnerability Scans

Know your weaknesses before attackers do.

Regular vulnerability scanning is essential for identifying cyber risks across both internal and external systems. Our “light-touch” scanning service provides:

Automated scans across your network, devices, and systems
Identification of vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and exposure points
Concise reports with severity ratings
Practical recommendations that your team — or Oakford — can action

This helps ensure your environment is safe, resilient, and compliant with DfE cybersecurity expectations.

Cyber Security Development

From assessment to action.

Following audits or vulnerability scans, we work with your organisation to implement the improvements needed to secure your data, systems, and users.

Solutions include:

IT security policy creation and implementation
MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) configuration
Device encryption & secure storage practices
Centrally managed endpoint protection
Review and improvement of backup and disaster recovery
Staff cyber awareness training

This provides a structured pathway to stronger, more consistent security across your school or MAT.

Testing and Accreditations

Achieve recognised certifications with confidence.

We provide full technical testing and auditing to support your organisation in achieving cybersecurity certifications such as: Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus.

Our service includes:

Full cybersecurity audit
Vulnerability scans
Remediation guidance
Staff training materials
Submission and processing of certification applications

Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed scheme overseen by the National Cyber Security Centre, designed to demonstrate that an organisation has a secure baseline in place. We help you prepare, pass, and maintain these accreditations.

Why Education Organisations Choose Oakford

Specialist expertise. Proven results

Education Experts

Over 20 years supporting primary schools, secondary schools, SEN, academies, colleges, and MATs across the UK.

Independent & Unbiased

We partner with all major vendors — you get the most suitable solution, not a locked in one.

Trusted Provider

Most new schools join us through referrals, demonstrating the strength of our service and relationships.

DBS Checked Engineers

All staff are DBS checked and trained in safeguarding compliance.

Local & Responsive

We choose office locations strategically to stay close to our schools, and all engineers are employed staff — not contractors.

One Provider, One Point of Contact

No juggling vendors. No passing between suppliers. One accountable partner managing the entire MAT IT ecosystem.

Strengthen Your Cyber Security Posture Today

We offer a free initial consultation for schools, MATs, and education organisations. Speak to our cyber specialists to find out how we can help protect your systems, secure your data, and improve compliance.

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