Bristol, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Dorset, Devon, Cornwall, Wiltshire and the South West
MULTI AWARD WINNING IT SUPPORT, SOLUTIONS AND SERVICES
DfE. School IT Support. A Complete Guide 2026-2027
"Soltech impressed us with their professional and effective manner.”
Anna Fennell, Head of IT, Blagdon Primary School, Bristol
A Complete Guide (DfE-Aligned for 2026-2027)
IT Support For Schools In The South West of England
IT Support for Schools in the South West of England: A Complete Guide (DfE-Aligned for 2026-2027)
What IT Support Do Schools Need in the UK?
IT support in schools throughout the South West of England is no longer just about fixing computers. According to guidance from the Department for Education (DfE), schools must ensure their technology is secure, reliable, and compliant with safeguarding and data protection standards.
At a minimum, schools require IT support that covers:
- Network management and Wi-Fi reliability
- Cybersecurity and safeguarding systems
- Device management (laptops, tablets, classroom tech)
- Data backup and disaster recovery (including SharePoint and Emails)
- Helpdesk support for staff and students where applicable
- Compliance with GDPR and DfE digital standards
In simple terms: schools in the South West of England need IT systems that are always available, always secure, and always aligned with safeguarding responsibilities.
Why IT Support Is Critical for Schools
Schools rely on technology for:
- Teaching and learning platforms
- Safeguarding and monitoring systems
- Administrative and student data
- Communication with parents and staff
- Security and lockdowns
Any downtime or security breach can directly impact student safety, learning outcomes, and regulatory compliance.
School throughout the South West of England are increasingly targeted by cyber threats, making proactive IT support essential—not optional.
Case Study: Phishing Attack Mitigated at Gloucestershire Primary School
A local Gloucestershire school experienced a phishing attack that compromised multiple Microsoft 365 accounts after staff unknowingly entered credentials into a fake login page.
The breach was identified when suspicious emails were sent internally.
The Soltech IT helpdesk support team quickly secured affected accounts, blocked un-authorised access, removed malicious inbox rules, and audited login activity linked to suspicious IP addresses.
Within 24 hours, all passwords were reset and access controls enforced.
The implementation of mandatory multi-factor authentication (MFA), strengthened email filtering, whilst Soltech IT also delivered phishing awareness training to staff.
In addition, the school implemented Soltech IT's Phishing Simulation Testing service which now forms part of the schools CPD and provides evidence of staff training / audits required by insurance companies keep insurance policies valid in the event of a claim.
Result:
- Threat contained with no data loss
- Fast recovery of secure access across all users
- Improved long-term resilience through stronger security policies
- Continuous professional development and training of staff via Soltech IT's Phishing Simulation Testing Service.
This incident highlights how rapid response and proactive security measures can protect schools from evolving cyber threats.
Key DfE Requirements
For School IT Systems
Key DfE Requirements for School IT Systems
The DfE has outlined clear expectations for schools. Your IT support provider should help you meet these standards by working to DfE guidance, just as Soltech IT does.
1. Cybersecurity and Safeguarding
Schools must:
- Protect against malware, phishing, and ransomware
- Use secure filtering and monitoring systems
- Ensure safe internet access for students
What this means in practice:
- Firewalls and endpoint protection
- Email security and phishing prevention
- Staff training (CPD) and on going simulation testing
- Web filtering aligned with safeguarding policies
2. Reliable Backup and Disaster Recovery
Schools are expected to:
- Regularly back up critical data
- Be able to restore systems quickly after an incident
Best practice:
- Daily automated backups
- Cloud + offsite backup storage
- Tested disaster recovery plans
A school should be able to recover critical systems within hours—not several days or weeks. Soltech IT's backup solutions comply with DfE guidance including the backing up of critical historic and archived email accounts.
3. Device and Network Management
DfE guidance emphasises:
- Securely configured devices
- Controlled access to systems
- Reliable network infrastructure
This includes:
- Centralised device management (e.g. laptops, tablets)
- Secure user accounts and permissions
- Fast, stable Wi-Fi across the school
Schools either need government funded DfE Connect The Classroom Wi-Fi using Ruckus access points (AP's) and switches along with CAT6E network cabling, or compliant low cost, high performance Ubiquity Unifi Wi-Fi and network switches all of which Soltech IT can scope, supply and install to DfE requirements.
4. GDPR and Data Protection Compliance
Schools handle sensitive data and must comply with UK GDPR.
Your IT support should ensure:
- Secure storage of student and staff data
- Access controls and audit trails
- Protection against data breaches
Soltech IT uses a number of measure based on DfE requirements to keep schools compliant and data safe. We encrypt data where needed, be that a data backup or a portable device / endpoint. Soltech IT recommends in line with DfE guidance that schools implement compulsory Multi Factor Authentication (MFA), other wise know as Two Factor Authentication (2FA).
5. Ongoing Monitoring and Support
DfE-aligned IT support is proactive, not reactive.
That means:
- 24/7 system monitoring
- Fast response times for issues
- Regular system updates and patching
At Soltech IT we know only to well how many IT support providers fail to be proactive, instead reacting to issues when it's too late. We aim to follow DfE guidance and provide a pro-active service highlighting weaknesses and improvements, whilst providing cost effective solutions and alternative funding solutions to meet DfE Technology Standards.
Case Study: Ransomware Recovery for a School in Bath and North East Somerset
A primary school in Bath and North East Somerset suffered a ransomware attack that encrypted critical systems following an unknown entry point.
Soltech IT responded immediately by locking down all devices and email accounts to prevent further spread of the ransomware infection.
We isolated the network, removed the infection from servers and endpoints, and secured all access points.
The Soltech IT third line team rebuilt the IT environment by restoring virtual machines (VMs) from backups, reinstalling Windows operating systems and applications, and recovered clean data from multiple pre-attack backup points—ensuring no encrypted files were reintroduced.
Result:
- Full system recovery in under one week
- No reinfection following restoration
- Secure, clean environment re-established
Post-incident, we implemented phishing simulation testing and ongoing CPD staff training to strengthen cyber awareness and reduce future risk.
Case Study: Connect the Classroom Network Upgrade for a Devon Primary School
A school in Devon secured funding through the UK government’s DfE Connect the Classroom funding program to modernise its IT infrastructure.
Soltech IT delivered a full network upgrade, including the installation of Ruckus wireless access points, enterprise-grade Ruckus network switches, and new Cat6E structured cabling throughout the site. We also deployed fibre optic cabling runs between buildings to link and connect communications cabinets ensuring high-speed, reliable connectivity across the campus in accordance with DfE requirements.
The project was completed with minimal disruption to teaching, significantly improving Wi-Fi coverage, network performance, and scalability.
Result:
- Full site-wide high-speed connectivity via DfE approved Ruckus access points and enterprise-grade Ruckus network switches
- Reliable Wi-Fi in all classrooms and shared spaces throughout the school, external play areas and learning zones.
- Future-ready infrastructure aligned with DfE standards.
This upgrade enabled the school to fully support modern digital learning and cloud-based platforms without impacting school budgets
How Much Does IT Support Cost
For Schools In The South West of England
How Much Does IT Support for Schools Cost in the South West of England?
Costs vary depending on school size and its requirements.
With Soltech IT, schools purchase pro-active support time by blocks of hours defined by the school to use as they wish during the year. Schools can benefit from a low cost helpdesk and call out service which would typically cost less between £1000 and £1500 per annum.
Alternatively, a school may opt for a bundle of block hours per annum which includes helpdesk support, emergency call outs and regular scheduled visits on a four weekly, fortnight or weekly bases This typically costs between £1,500 and £10,000 per annum depending on the regularity and length of the onsite visit(s).
Soltech IT also offers much larger pro-active support services to Multi Academy Trusts (MATs), Secondary Schools and Independent Schools in the South West. Again, these proactive support services are provided in bigger blocks of hours which allows schools to have a higher level of support, including helpdesk support, emergency call outs, onsite engineers 5 days a week, third line engineer weekly visits and a dedicated onsite technician available for exam device setup and emergency onsite support during both mock exams and official exams.
All of our school support packages are completely tailorable to each individual schools needs. You can buy as few or as many hours as your schools needs. Our engineers don't need to stay onsite if they have completed the days tasks, simply bank the time to be used more wisely in the future.
Our support packages can also include time allocated for project scoping and project works, ensure complete control of schools expenditure.
Soltech IT's support services also include at no extra cost:
- Bursar and business manager Service - Audit and development reports designed are DfE requires designed to reduce ICT expenditure and tap in to alternative funding options for schools.
- Access to our range of loan computing curriculum and STEM resources with lesson plans for almost every subject.
- Donations - We regularly donate to ICT equipment to schools in the South West.
School IT Support Provider
What Makes Them Good
What Makes a Good School IT Support Provider?
When choosing an IT partner in the South West of England like Soltech IT, a schools should look for:
Experience in Education
- Understanding of safeguarding, DfE and legislative requirements
- Familiarity with school systems and workflows
Proactive Support
- Preventing issues before they occur
- Regular monitoring and maintenance
Cybersecurity Expertise
- Protection against modern threats
- Simulation testing
- Alignment with DfE standards
Transparent Pricing and Value for Money
- No hidden costs
- Clear service packages
- Alternative funding sources and expenditure reduction
- Additional and complimentary services like computing curriculum and STEM resources.
Common IT Challenges
Schools Face
Common IT Challenges Schools Face
Many schools struggle with:
- Slow or unreliable Wi-Fi (Check out DfE Connect The Classroom)
- Outdated hardware
- Cybersecurity risks
- Limited internal IT resources or funding options
- Underlying IT issues taking up reactive support time.
- System downtime disrupting lessons
A strong IT support provider such as Soltech IT solves these problems systematically—not reactively.
Example: How Effective IT Support Improves Schools
A well-supported school environment typically sees:
- Reduced downtime and fewer disruptions
- Faster issue resolution for staff
- Improved safeguarding and compliance
- More effective use of classroom technology
- Plus, greatly reduced ICT costs and ongoing expenditure
Schools with proactive IT support spend less time fixing problems and more time focusing on education.
How To Chose The Right IT Support
For Your School
How to Choose the Right IT Support for Your School
Before selecting a provider, ask:
- Do they understand DfE requirements?
- Can they demonstrate award winning experience with schools?
- Will they help to reduce ICT expenditure and costs
- How do they handle cybersecurity, simulation testing and backups?
- Can they scale as your school grows?
- Do they offer added benefits?
Soltech IT meets and addresses all of the requirements above, and much more.
Final Thoughts
IT in schools is no longer just infrastructure—it’s a critical part of safeguarding, teaching, and operations.
DfE-aligned IT support ensures that:
- systems are secure
- data is protected
- staff and students can rely on technology every day.
If you’re unsure whether your current IT setup meets DfE standards, it may be time for a review.
A professional IT support provider and EdTech award winning company such as Soltech IT has the knowledge, the experience and accreditation to assess your systems, identify risks, and ensure your school is fully compliant, secure, and future-ready.
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Meet the team
Gareth Jones
Sales Manager
Gareth has worked within the IT industry for most of his working life., with serval years experience managing SME, educational and corporate client accounts.
Drawing on his wide-ranging experience, Gareth leads the sales, marketing and account management aspect of the business with a primary focus upon meeting the required customer service and customer expectations.
