Meeting the DfE's Digital and Technology Standards

The Department for Education (DfE) has set digital and technology standards to guide schools in developing effective and secure IT systems. These standards provide a framework to ensure the school digital infrastructure supports quality teaching, learning and administration while maintaining security.

In October 2024, the DfE rolled out updated digital and technology standards for schools and colleges, outlining 45 standards across 10 key areas. While this update brings clarity and structure to managing technology in educational settings, the sheer volume of standards can initially feel overwhelming. Fortunately, many schools and colleges already meet a number of these standards through routine compliance with essential legislation, such as data protection and Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).

What is the purpose of the DfE's digital and technology standards?

The DfE’s digital and technology standards serve as a guide for school leaders and IT teams to enhance digital infrastructure. The guidelines cover critical aspects like connectivity, security, hardware and software, aiming to help schools:

• Improve teaching and learning with technology
• Protect pupil data and privacy
• Ensure cost-effectiveness and scalability

Adopting these standards can lead to a smoother digital experience for staff and pupils alike, ultimately supporting improved learning outcomes.

What are the benefits of meeting the DfE's digital and technology standards?

Using the right digital resources can transform your school, making it safer, more efficient and packed with new learning possibilities for pupils.

Some of the key benefits of meeting the standards include:

• Making your school safer
• Achieving better value for money
• Providing new learning opportunities for your pupils

They can also help you to:

• budget for technology procurement and maintenance
• buy technology equipment and services
• renew a contract with a technology provider to ensure their purchases meet your needs
• correctly install new equipment

How can I implement these standards in my setting?

1. Assess your current technology setup

Begin by evaluating your school’s infrastructure, devices and security protocols using an audit, such as this Meeting Digital and Technology Standards in Schools and Colleges Audit, which goes into detail about the steps to take to meet each standard as well as when they should be achieved by.

2. Set priorities and budget

Focus on areas that directly impact learning and safety, and allocate funding for high-priority improvements.

3. Plan for training and support

Provide ongoing training for staff to maximise their use of technology and ensure they follow security protocols.

4. Regularly review and update

Technology evolves quickly so regular reviews will allow you to keep your setup relevant and effective. 

Who should be monitoring the standards?

The standards are to be used by everyone involved in the planning and use of technology within schools and colleges, including:

• senior leadership teams
• IT staff
• suppliers
• technical advisers
• teachers

Download our audit today to evaluate your current setup, identify key priorities and plan your next steps effectively. If you are focusing on the area of filtering and monitoring specifically, you may find this audit and action plan helpful too.