A Governor and Trustee’s guide to ICT procurement compliance
This guide explains why ICT procurement is a key governance issue for schools and trusts, and how using a Department for Education‑approved framework such as Everything ICT helps boards discharge their responsibilities. It sets ICT purchasing in the context of the Procurement Act 2023 and DfE guidance, emphasising that decisions must be proportionate, transparent, and […]
Refurbished devices in 2026: What’s changed – and what it means for schools
Refurbished ICT has long been a practical and reliable option for schools and MATs. It supports sustainability objectives, helps manage budgets and, when sourced properly, performs well in day-to-day classroom use. Many suppliers are able to provide large volumes of refurbished devices for schools and trusts, making them a viable option alongside new hardware. In […]
How broadband contract reviews can save schools thousands
For many schools, broadband is one of those essential services that just ticks along in the background. As long as the internet works, the contract itself rarely gets much attention. The problem is that broadband agreements are often long, complex, and expensive. Over time, schools can end up paying far more than they need to […]
AI literacy for schools: What SLTs should know
AI is already part of how many schools operate, even when it isn’t labelled as such. Systems used for safeguarding, behaviour monitoring, assessment and planning increasingly rely on AI-driven processes to support decision-making and manage workload. As these technologies become more embedded, senior leadership teams (SLTs) are expected to provide clear oversight. For schools using […]
Filtering, monitoring and infrastructure: The compliance cost trap
Most schools and MATs already have filtering and monitoring in place. The challenge is that these systems are only as reliable as the infrastructure underneath them. Governors are increasingly asking for evidence that systems are not only present, but working as intended. At Everything ICT, we work with schools across the education sector and see […]
Building a multi-layered cyber defence for schools
Cyber security decisions in schools are rarely simple. There are plenty of tools on the market, each designed to tackle a specific problem — from filtering and email protection to device security and backups. What often gets missed is how those tools need to work together. A filtered network won’t help if a compromised account […]
How to audit your school’s Wi-Fi in under an hour
Most schools have a sense of how well their Wi-Fi is holding up. What’s often missing is a quick, structured way of turning that instinct into something useful — especially when deciding whether issues are minor or point towards the need for investment. This short audit is designed to give IT leads and SBMs a […]
Sustainable ICT in schools: Your 2026 action plan
Sustainability is now firmly part of how schools are measured, not just environmentally, but financially and operationally too. In 2026, the question isn’t whether ICT needs to be sustainable, but how well it’s being managed. For many schools, that can feel like another pressure point. Budgets are tight, devices are ageing, and expectations keep rising. […]
Pop-up procurement: How schools access expertise without the overhead
Procurement in schools is becoming more complex. Budgets are tighter, technology requirements are broader, and compliance expectations haven’t eased. Yet most schools and MATs don’t have the luxury of a dedicated procurement team ready to step in whenever a new ICT need appears. That’s where a pop-up procurement model works well: specialist support when you […]
AI in SEND: When it works (and when it doesn’t)
AI has quickly moved from “interesting experiment” to everyday classroom tool. For SEND learners, the promise is particularly appealing: more personalised support, reduced barriers to learning, and tools that adapt to individual needs rather than forcing pupils to adapt to the system. But as many schools are already finding, AI isn’t a silver bullet. When […]