IT Support for Schools & Multi-Academy Trusts
Security-First IT Infrastructure That Keeps Learning Running
Schools handle sensitive pupil data, face strict DfE and safeguarding requirements, and are increasingly targeted by cyber criminals. Generic IT support isn't enough - you need specialists who understand education, term-time pressures, and keeping children safe online.
Not sure which tier fits your business? Book a free 20-minute consultation - we'll assess your setup and recommend the right fit. No pressure, no sales pitch.
Why Schools Are Prime Targets
Education is now the most targeted sector for ransomware in the UK. Schools hold valuable data, often have limited IT budgets, and attackers know that disrupting education creates immediate pressure to pay.
Ransomware Attacks
Schools are targeted specifically because attackers know you can't afford extended downtime. Term dates are public - they time attacks for maximum pressure.
Phishing & Social Engineering
Staff receive emails impersonating parents, suppliers, the DfE, and Ofsted. One click from a busy teacher can compromise your entire network.
Sensitive Data at Risk
Pupil records, SEN data, safeguarding notes, staff HR files - this data is highly sensitive and regulated. A breach has serious consequences beyond fines.
Legacy Systems
Budget constraints mean many schools run outdated systems. Windows 7 machines, unpatched servers, and unsupported software create easy entry points.
The NCSC has issued multiple alerts specifically about threats to the education sector. Attacks have caused schools to close, exams to be disrupted, and sensitive pupil data to be leaked online.
Ready to See Where You Stand?
Choose your starting point:
Why Schools Choose HiltDigital
Security-First, Not Afterthought
We're not a generalist IT company that bolts on security. We're cloud security specialists who build protection into everything. Your pupil data deserves better than tick-box compliance.
We Understand Education
Term-time pressures, Inset day rollouts, exam season lockdowns, summer migration projects. We plan around your calendar, not ours.
KCSIE & DfE Compliance Built-In
Filtering and monitoring that meets DfE standards. Safeguarding audit trails. Documentation ready for Ofsted. Compliance shouldn't be a scramble.
Transparent, Budget-Friendly Pricing
We know school budgets are tight. Fixed per-user pricing means no surprise invoices. Same rates whether you're a primary school or a 20-school MAT.
Co-Managed Model Available
Already have an IT technician or network manager? We work alongside them, adding security expertise and holiday cover without replacing what works.
Local to the North West
Based in Wirral, serving schools across Liverpool, Chester, Warrington, and the wider North West. When you need someone on-site, we're there - not travelling from London.
The Co-Managed Model: Keep Your IT Team, Add Security Expertise
Many schools have an IT technician, network manager, or share IT resources across a MAT. You don't want to replace them - they know your systems, your staff, and your quirks. But they can't be security experts, holiday cover, AND day-to-day support all at once.
Your IT Team Handles
- Day-to-day user support
- Printer jams and projector issues
- New starter setups
- Software installations
- Classroom tech support
- Relationships with staff
HiltDigital Adds
- 24/7 security monitoring
- Threat detection & response
- Backup management & testing
- Patch management
- Email security & filtering
- Compliance documentation
- Holiday cover & escalation
- Security expertise on-call
Modern Cloud Infrastructure for Education
We specialise in Microsoft 365 and Azure - the platforms most schools are already using or moving to. Properly configured, they're more secure than on-premise servers AND more cost-effective.
Microsoft 365 for Education
- Teams for classroom collaboration
- SharePoint for staff resources
- OneDrive with proper data loss prevention
- Email security configured for education threats
- Intune device management for school devices
- Conditional access - right people, right devices, right data
Azure Cloud Services
- Azure Virtual Desktop for SIMS, Bromcom, Arbor access
- Cloud backup with UK data residency
- Secure remote access for staff working from home
- Infrastructure without the server room
- Scalable for MATs with multiple sites
- Disaster recovery that actually works
Endpoint Protection
- EDR on all devices - staff laptops, classroom PCs
- Ransomware rollback capability
- Automated patching during non-teaching hours
- USB and removable media controls
- Web filtering that meets DfE requirements
- Monitoring without being intrusive
KCSIE Compliance & Safeguarding Built-In
Keeping Children Safe in Education isn't just a document to read once a year. It has specific technical requirements around filtering, monitoring, and data protection. We build these into your infrastructure from day one.
Web Filtering (DfE Standards)
Age-appropriate filtering that blocks harmful content without blocking legitimate educational resources. Granular controls for different year groups. Override capability for staff with proper logging.
Activity Monitoring
Keyword and behaviour monitoring that alerts DSLs to potential safeguarding concerns. Searchable audit trails. Balance between safety and privacy - monitoring without surveillance.
Device Management
School devices locked down appropriately. BYOD policies enforced. Remote wipe capability for lost devices. App restrictions. Screen time doesn't mean screen risk.
Audit & Documentation
When Ofsted asks "how do you monitor online safety?", you have clear answers and evidence. Policies, procedures, and technical controls documented and demonstrable.
DfE Filtering and Monitoring Standards
From September 2023, the DfE requires schools to meet specific filtering and monitoring standards. These aren't optional. We ensure your systems meet or exceed these requirements, with documentation to prove it.
- Identify and block harmful and inappropriate content
- Filter without over-blocking legitimate resources
- Monitor for safeguarding concerns
- Have processes for reviewing and handling alerts
- Document and review effectiveness annually
Transparent Pricing for Schools
We know school budgets are tight and need to be planned a year in advance. Fixed per-user pricing means no surprises. Same rates whether you're a 200-pupil primary or a 5,000-pupil MAT.
H-Protect Essentials
Core security for smaller schools
- Endpoint monitoring & patching
- Device backup
- Ransomware protection
- Remote support quota
- Fast-start onboarding
- Helpdesk support
- Email security
Minimum 20 users
Best for: Schools with existing IT staff who need security layer only
H-Protect Standard
Complete security + helpdesk
- Everything in Essentials, plus:
- Helpdesk support (calls answered <30 secs)
- EDR endpoint protection
- Email security & anti-phishing
- Web filtering (DfE compliant)
- Microsoft 365 management
- Monthly security scorecard
- Dark web monitoring
Minimum 20 users
Best for: Most primary and secondary schools
H-Protect Complete
24/7 SOC + compliance support
- Everything in Standard, plus:
- 24/7 security monitoring & response
- Vulnerability management
- Phishing simulation for staff
- Priority support & SLA
- Cyber Essentials prep support
- Dedicated account manager
Minimum 50 users
Best for: MATs, large secondaries, schools with sensitive data
What's NOT Included (Paid Separately)
- Microsoft 365 licensing - Typically £2-6/user/month for education (A1 is free, A3/A5 are paid)
- Hardware - We manage your devices, we don't sell them
- Project work - Migrations, new rollouts, summer projects quoted separately
- On-site visits - Included for critical issues, scheduled visits quoted
Multi-Academy Trust Pricing
MATs with 3+ schools get volume discounts and centralised management. Single dashboard across all schools, consolidated billing, and cross-trust security policies. Contact us for MAT pricing.
Common Questions from Schools
Do you work with primary schools or just secondaries?
Both. We work with primary schools, secondary schools, special schools, and MATs of all sizes. The security threats don't discriminate by phase - a primary school with pupil data is just as much a target as a large secondary.
We already have an IT technician. Do we need to replace them?
No - this is exactly what our co-managed model is designed for. Your technician handles day-to-day support and knows your staff. We add security expertise, out-of-hours monitoring, and backup when they're on holiday. Many schools find this combination works better than either alone.
How do you handle term-time vs holiday work?
We plan around your calendar, not ours. Major changes, migrations, and updates happen during holidays or inset days. During term time, we focus on keeping things running smoothly. No surprise "updates" during exam week.
What about Ofsted? Can you help with the digital/online safety questions?
Yes. We provide documentation of your filtering, monitoring, and security controls. When inspectors ask "how do you keep children safe online?", you'll have clear evidence of technical controls, policies, and review processes.
Do you support MIS systems like SIMS, Bromcom, or Arbor?
We support the infrastructure they run on - whether that's on-premise servers, cloud hosting, or Azure Virtual Desktop. We don't train staff on using SIMS (that's what your MIS provider is for), but we make sure it's accessible, backed up, and secure.
What happens if we get hit by ransomware?
We have proper, tested backups - not just "we think we're backing up". If ransomware hits, we restore your data. No paying criminals. Our EDR protection also includes ransomware rollback capability on endpoints, so in many cases we can undo the damage before it spreads.
Can you help us get Cyber Essentials certified?
Yes - we're Cyber Essentials certified ourselves. We implement the technical controls, prepare documentation, and support you through assessment. More insurers and MATs now require this. Typical timeline is 6-12 weeks depending on your starting point.
How quickly can you respond if something goes wrong?
Remote support: immediate. Calls answered in under 30 seconds. On-site for critical issues: same-day across the North West and the UK and the UK. We're based in Wirral, not London - when you need someone physically present, we're not hours away.
Protect Your School Today
Start with a straight 20-minute review, at no cost. We'll review your current setup, identify vulnerabilities and compliance gaps, and provide a clear roadmap - whether you choose us or not.
Infrastructure Review
We assess your current setup: servers, cloud services, backups, and access controls.
Risk Identification
Identify vulnerabilities: weak passwords, missing MFA, unpatched systems, ransomware exposure.
Compliance Check
Review against KCSIE requirements, DfE filtering standards, and Cyber Essentials.
Clear Roadmap
Prioritised action plan: what to fix now, what to plan for summer, and realistic budgets.
