Cyber Security Audit

Most schools assume their cyber security is adequate - but without a detailed review, it’s difficult to know whether your systems, processes, and controls meet current DfE standards or expectations from insurers.

A Cyber Security Audit from TGE Solutions provides an independent assessment of your school’s security posture. We review your technical controls, user practices, and overall approach to risk, ensuring your environment is secure, compliant, and fit for purpose.

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Goes Beyond a Technology Audit

This is not a checkbox exercise. We engage directly with your IT provider, review firewall configurations, assess password policies, and examine your network for real-world vulnerabilities—providing a deeper level of insight than a standard technology review.

Education-Specific Expertise

We work exclusively with schools and MATs across the UK. We understand the DfE standards, the specific threats facing the education sector, and the practical measures that make a meaningful difference in a school environment.

A Clear Action Plan

You’ll receive a prioritised plan setting out what to address, when, and why. No jargon, no vague recommendations - just clear findings and practical next steps.

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The Problem

Schools are a Prime Target for Cyber Criminals

The education sector has seen a significant rise in cyber attacks in recent years. Ransomware, phishing, and data breaches are increasingly common, with serious consequences - disruption to learning, loss of sensitive data, reputational damage, and high recovery costs.

In response, the DfE has made cyber security one of its six core Digital Technology Standards. Schools are now expected to have:

A documented cyber awareness plan
Annual staff training
A cyber incident response plan
Robust backup and recovery processes
A clear understanding of their vulnerabilities

In practice, many schools are not meeting all of these requirements. Even those who believe they are often find gaps when reviewed in detail.

The Service

What Our Cyber Security Audit Actually Covers

A cyber security audit is a thorough, independent review of your school's current security position. It goes well beyond what a general technology audit covers.

Here's what the audit looks at:

Your IT infrastructure

We engage directly with your IT Manager or support provider to understand what is actually in place - not just what is assumed.

Firewall and network configuration

We review how your firewall is configured, what traffic is being filtered, and whether any gaps exist that could expose your network.

Password policies

Weak or inconsistent password policies are one of the most common vulnerabilities in schools. The audit reviews what’s in place and whether it meets current standards.

Backup and recovery

The DfE expects schools to have robust backup arrangements. The audit assesses whether your backups are properly configured, regularly tested, and capable of supporting recovery in the event of an incident.

Policies and documentation

Do you have a cyber incident response plan? An acceptable use policy? The audit reviews what’s in place, identifies any gaps, and highlights what needs updating to meet current expectations.

DfE standards alignment

The findings are assessed against the DfE's cyber security standard, so you can see clearly where you're compliant and where you're not.

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What You Receive

Your Audit Report

At the end of the process, you will receive a clear, structured report covering:

Where your school stands against the DfE cyber security standards
Specific vulnerabilities and gaps identified during the review
A prioritised list of recommended actions
Guidance on what to address immediately and what can be planned over time
A foundation for your cyber security strategy

The report is written for school leaders, not just technical staff - so you can understand the findings and act on them without needing a specialist background.

Why This Matters

Why an Audit Is the Right Starting Point

If your school hasn’t undertaken a structured approach to cyber security, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Should the focus be on staff training, new systems, or formal accreditation such as Cyber Essentials?

The starting point is the audit.

Without a clear baseline, decisions are often based on assumptions. This can lead to time and budget being directed to the wrong areas, while critical vulnerabilities remain unaddressed. The audit provides the clarity needed to make informed, targeted decisions.

It also provides clear evidence for governors, trustees, and senior leadership - setting out your current position and the steps being taken to improve it.

With the audit findings in place, you can prioritise effectively - whether that’s staff training, policy development, technical improvements, or working towards recognised standards.

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For Multi-Academy Trusts

A Note for Multi-Academy Trusts

For trusts, cyber security is a trust-wide concern, not just a school-level issue. A single vulnerable school can expose the wider organisation - particularly where systems, data, or networks are shared.

We can structure the audit to cover multiple schools, either by assessing each school individually to build a complete picture or by taking a trust-wide approach from the outset.

In both cases, you gain the insight needed to understand your overall risk position and put a plan in place that works effectively at scale.

TGE Solutions are always very friendly and professional; all the way through the process of writing a detailed tender on our behalf, to overseeing the installation of a full and modern new phone system. We are really glad we decided to work with Phil and the team, we never had any problems at all and everything was explained and documented clearly. We used to get frustrated with our old phones and phone lines but now everything has been upgraded, updated and our costs have been reduced. Thanks TGE Solutions!

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FAQS

Common Questions About Cyber Security Audits in Schools

How is this different from a technology audit?

A technology audit looks at your overall IT costs, contracts, and how well you’re meeting the DfE’s six core standards. A cyber security audit goes much deeper on the security side. It involves direct conversations with your IT provider, a review of your firewall and network configuration, and a detailed look at your policies and vulnerabilities. The two audits complement each other but cover different ground.

Our IT provider already does security checks. Why would we need this?

IT providers typically handle the technical infrastructure, but the DfE expects schools to take an active role in cyber security governance themselves. That means having policies in place, making sure staff are trained, and genuinely understanding your own vulnerabilities. An independent audit gives you visibility that your IT provider can’t give you, because they’re reviewing their own work.

How long does the audit take?

This depends on the size of your school or trust. We will be able to give you a clear timeline once they understand your setup. The process is designed to be as straightforward as possible and won’t require significant time from your staff.

What happens after the audit?

You receive a written report with a prioritised set of recommendations. From there, you can choose which areas to address and when. We offer a range of follow-on services, including staff training, phishing simulations, policy work, penetration testing, and Cyber Essentials support. You’re never obliged to take anything further.

Is this relevant for primary schools?

Yes. Primary schools hold just as much sensitive personal data as secondary schools and are often less well-resourced when it comes to cyber security. The audit is relevant for any school, regardless of size or type.

How much does it cost?

We charge a fixed fee based on the type and size of school. We’re happy to give you a figure straight away, with no obligation. Just get in touch, and we can confirm the cost for your school within the same conversation.