Department for Education Digital Standards
Meeting digital and technology standards in schools and colleges - Guidance - GOV.UK
The Department for Education’s digital and technology standards are designed to help schools and colleges make informed decisions about technology, leading to safer, more cost-efficient practices and new learning opportunities for students. These standards are for everyone involved in planning and using technology: Senior Leadership Teams (SLT), IT staff, suppliers, technical advisors and teachers.
Computeam Compass helps you track, manage and evidence your progress against these standards, making compliance simple and collaborative.
Why is this important?
Reliable, high-speed broadband is the backbone of modern education. It ensures access to digital resources, supports online safety and enables effective teaching and learning.
Key questions from the standard:
- Does the school have full fibre broadband?
- Are minimum download/upload speeds in place (100mbps for primary, 1Gbps for secondary)?
- Is there a backup broadband connection for resilience?
- Are multiple routers and automatic failover configured?
- Is there an appropriate firewall and filtering solution?
How Compass helps:
Compass tracks broadband type, speed, backup provision and security measures. It prompts schools to answer compliance questions, assign actions (e.g., upgrade contracts) and log evidence for inspections. Compass highlights gaps, guides upgrades and provides a clear audit trail for all broadband-related standards.
Why is this important?
Cloud solutions offer flexibility, security and cost savings. They support remote learning, data protection and efficient collaboration.
Key questions from the standard:
- Does the school understand the benefits of cloud solutions?
- Has current software/devices/data been reviewed for cloud suitability?
- Is cloud solution training provided to staff and pupils?
- Is offsite data encrypted and secure?
- Is there a data retention/sharing policy for cloud data?
How Compass helps:
Compass audits cloud adoption, training, legal compliance and backup processes. It helps schools' evidence secure cloud use, assign tasks for migration and track progress on GDPR and data protection requirements. Compass also supports documentation of access management and training logs.
Why is this important?
Protecting digital assets and personal data is essential for safeguarding pupils, staff and the school’s reputation.
Key questions from the standard:
- Are digital assets checked for security risks?
- Are access/permissions included in HR procedures?
- Have staff, pupils, and governors completed cyber security training?
- Is there a password policy and MFA for staff?
- Are staff/pupils aware of how to report cyber risks?
How Compass helps:
Compass logs risk assessments, training completion, policy reviews and backup plans. It prompts schools to review and update cybersecurity measures, assign responsibilities and track evidence for compliance. Compass also supports reporting and escalation workflows for incidents.
Digital accessibility standards
Why is this important?
Ensuring digital accessibility supports inclusion for all users, especially those with additional needs, and meets legal requirements.
Key questions from the standard:
- Is digital accessibility cited in the SEND policy?
- Are staff consulted about their own accessibility needs?
- Can all pupils access resources in accessible formats?
- Are staff trained on accessibility features (text-to-speech, dictation, etc.)?
- Is communication accessible to all (website, parent letters, translation)?
How Compass helps:
Compass tracks accessibility in policies, staff training, procurement and communications. It prompts schools to review and evidence accessibility measures, assign actions for improvement and log training and consultation outcomes.
Digital leadership and governance standards
Why is this important?
Strong digital leadership ensures strategic oversight, effective governance and continuous improvement in technology use.
Key questions from the standard:
- Is there a named SLT member responsible for digital technology?
- Is there a digital link governor/trustee?
- Are contracts, asset and information registers up to date?
- Are disaster recovery plans in place and accessible?
- Is there a long-term digital strategy (minimum 2 years)?
How Compass helps:
Compass evidences leadership roles, strategy documents, asset registers and disaster recovery plans. It prompts annual reviews, tracks stakeholder engagement and supports documentation for governance and insurance requirements.
Why is this important?
Robust filtering and monitoring systems protect pupils and staff from harmful content and support safeguarding.
Key questions from the standard:
- Is there a documented list of blocked/allowed content?
- Have staff received training on their role in filtering/monitoring?
- Can the DSL produce filtering/monitoring reports?
- Is there an annual review involving SLT, DSL, IT provider and governors?
- Are monitoring strategies effective for safeguarding?
How Compass helps:
Compass tracks system provision, staff training, review dates and reporting processes. It prompts annual reviews, assigns actions for system updates and logs evidence for safeguarding audits.
Laptop, desktop and tablet standards
Why is this important?
Safe, secure, and well-managed devices support effective teaching, learning and data protection.
Key questions from the standard:
- Is device training included in CPD?
- Are devices compliant with filtering, monitoring and security standards?
- Has the DPO completed impact assessments for devices?
- Do devices meet minimum requirements (OS, support, warranty, Wi-Fi)?
- Are devices energy efficient and disposed of sustainably?
How Compass helps:
Compass audits device compliance, management, training and sustainability practices. It prompts schools to review device standards, assign actions for upgrades and log evidence for procurement and disposal.
Why is this important?
High-quality cabling ensures reliable, safe and future-proof connectivity for all users.
Key questions from the standard:
- Does cabling meet minimum specifications?
- Are patch leads the same type/standard as installed cable?
- Is optical fibre installed and protected?
- Has installation been completed by approved partners?
- Is there a manufacturer’s warranty?
How Compass helps:
Compass records cabling standards, installation details and warranty information. It prompts schools to review cabling compliance, assign actions for upgrades and log evidence for audits.
Why is this important?
Secure, reliable network switches are essential for fast, safe access to digital resources.
Key questions from the standard:
- Do switches support required speeds and protocols?
- Are switches energy efficient?
- Is there a central management tool for switches?
- Are switches covered by warranty/support?
- Are security features (NACs, policy management) in place?
How Compass helps:
Compass tracks switch specifications, management tools, support arrangements and security features. It prompts schools to review switching compliance, assign actions for upgrades and log evidence for audits.
Why is this important?
Resilient, secure servers and storage protect data, support continuity and ensure compliance with legislation.
Key questions from the standard:
- Are servers monitored for performance/failures?
- Are patches and firmware up to date?
- Is there a process for replacement at end of life?
- Are backups and disaster recovery plans in place?
- Is there a documented data breach response?
How Compass helps:
Compass audits server/storage compliance, backup, security and physical environment. It prompts schools to review server standards, assign actions for upgrades and log evidence for audits and inspections.
Why is this important?
Modern wireless networks enable flexible, secure access to digital resources throughout the school.
Key questions from the standard:
- Are access points at the latest standard?
- Is the network configured for segregation and QoS?
- Is there a wireless heat map?
- Are security features and warranties in place?
- Are administrative accounts documented?
How Compass helps:
Compass tracks wireless standards, coverage, management tools and security features. It prompts schools to review wireless compliance, assign actions for upgrades and log evidence for audits and inspections.
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