For many schools, broadband and cybersecurity are often discussed separately — one about performance, the other about protection. But in reality, they’re closely connected.
At Everything ICT, we see this link every day when helping schools and trusts procure reliable, secure broadband through our Department for Education (DfE)-approved framework. When broadband infrastructure falls behind, it doesn’t just slow learning — it can create security gaps that put staff, pupils, and data at risk.
When connectivity becomes a risk
Slow or unreliable broadband isn’t just frustrating — it can affect how well your school stays protected. Outdated connections make it harder to apply regular security updates, maintain filtering systems, or run monitoring tools effectively. In some cases, limited bandwidth even leads schools to switch off protection tools to keep things running smoothly — leaving the network exposed.
The result? A simple connection problem can quickly become a safeguarding or data protection issue.
Why upgraded broadband means stronger security
Modern broadband for schools is built with security at its core, delivering the speed you need without compromising protection.
Here’s what makes the difference:
✅ Built-in firewalls – Firewalls act as your school’s first line of defence, monitoring all incoming and outgoing traffic. Modern managed firewalls automatically detect and block suspicious activity before it can reach your network. Many solutions available through our framework also include real-time threat detection and reporting — so schools can spot and stop issues early, without needing in-house technical expertise.
✅ Advanced filtering – Effective content filtering isn’t just about blocking inappropriate websites. The latest filtering systems use intelligent, cloud-based technology to identify harmful or high-risk content in real time — even within search results or social media. This not only supports compliance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and DfE guidance, but also helps create a safer online learning environment for students and staff.
✅ Secure VPNs for remote access – Remote access is now part of everyday school life — whether for staff working from home or trust-wide collaboration. A secure Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts all data shared between devices and school systems, protecting sensitive information such as student records or financial data. With the right setup, staff can access resources from anywhere without creating vulnerabilities in the school network.
Together, these features turn your broadband connection into a secure foundation that not only supports teaching and learning but also safeguards the people and data behind it.
Connectivity and security in one place
Through Everything ICT’s DfE-approved framework, schools can access trusted suppliers who deliver both broadband and cybersecurity solutions — all within a single, compliant route to market. Every supplier on our framework is rigorously vetted for quality, value, and reliability, giving schools the confidence that their procurement is both secure and cost-effective.
That means:
- One point of contact for both connectivity and protection.
- Procurement that’s fully compliant and hassle-free.
- Solutions designed to meet DfE and safeguarding standards.
From high-speed fibre connections to managed firewalls and proactive monitoring, our framework helps schools stay connected and secure without the complexity of multiple procurements.
“Fantastic, efficient service which helped greatly with the procurement of our schools broadband, which can be a total nightmare when evaluating like for like in the market plus very time consuming. Thanks for all your help Ollie for helping us secure a contract fit for purpose at a competitive price.”
Nailsworth C of E Primary School
Support you can rely on
Everything ICT simplifies the entire process — helping you define your needs, compare options, and connect with the right supplier.
Whether you’re upgrading a single school’s broadband or implementing a trust-wide connectivity strategy, we can support you from start to finish.
