Why ESG is becoming a key factor in school ICT procurement
ICT procurement in schools has traditionally centred on cost, compliance and making sure the technology is fit for purpose. Those factors still matter, but they are no longer the full picture. Schools and trusts are also thinking more carefully about how procurement decisions affect resource use, long-term value and wider organisational priorities. For leadership teams, […]
The landline switch-off explained: What schools need to know
The UK is retiring the old landline phone network, including PSTN and ISDN services, and moving to digital, internet-based telephony. The deadline shaping planning is now January 2027. This is happening because the legacy network is reaching the end of its useful life. It is harder to maintain, more prone to faults, and no longer […]
What to check when school networks come back online
When school networks come back into full use after a holiday period, there are a few checks worth covering early. In some schools, those checks will be carried out in-house. In others, they will sit with an IT support lead, support partner or MSP. Either way, it helps to know which areas should be covered, […]
AI in schools and trusts: Moving from experimentation to policy
There’s a reasonable chance that right now, somewhere in your school or trust, a member of staff is using an AI tool to write a report, plan a lesson, summarise meeting notes, or draft a parent communication. They might not have mentioned it. They might not even think it’s worth mentioning. That is not necessarily […]
ICT contract oversight in schools and trusts
For most schools and trusts, ICT now represents a material proportion of operational expenditure. Connectivity, MIS, safeguarding systems, cloud services, device estates, telephony — each sits under a contract, and each contract carries financial, operational and regulatory implications. Many of these arrangements will have been procured through compliant routes such as our Department for Education […]
AI in education: What’s actually happening in schools
Everything ICT works with schools and trusts across the UK every day, and one thing is clear: while headlines often focus on AI ‘revolutionising’ the classroom, the most tangible impact of AI in education today is happening quietly in the back office. AI is not replacing teachers or changing classroom practice. Instead, it’s being used […]
Cyber readiness review: What to fix before the summer term
By March, most schools are operating at full stretch. Systems are in constant use, staff are deep into the academic year, and IT teams are focused on keeping everything running smoothly. That’s why the spring term is a sensible time for schools to take stock of their cyber readiness. After several months of use, systems […]
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 […]