You may have seen news stories about schools being hit by cyber attacks and wondered what that actually means and whether it puts children at risk.
Here’s a clear, honest explanation.
What happens in a school cyber attack?
Most attacks aren’t about breaking computers for fun. They’re about stealing data or locking systems and demanding money to unlock them.
Schools hold a lot of sensitive information, including:
Pupil and parent contact details
Safeguarding records
Financial information
Staff details
In some recent cases, attackers have also stolen site maps and floor plans, which is understandably worrying and adds an extra layer of concern.
Can schools just pay the ransom?
In practice, no.
Schools use public money and are strongly advised not to pay criminals. Even if they did, there’s no guarantee stolen data would be deleted or systems safely restored.
Instead, schools focus on:
Containing the incident
Restoring systems safely
Working with specialists and regulators
Keeping pupils safe and informed
Are schools protected?
Schools follow guidance from the Department for Education and receive support through arrangements like the Risk Protection Arrangement (RPA).
However, it’s important to understand that:
RPA is not cyber insurance
It doesn’t cover ransom payments
It doesn’t prevent attacks – it helps after something goes wrong
Until recently, many schools also relied on free protective services provided by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which helped block fake emails and spot weaknesses early.
Some of these services have now been withdrawn, meaning schools are being asked to pay for replacements from already very tight budgets.
Is this the school’s fault?
In most cases, no.
Schools are under huge pressure:
Limited funding
Small IT teams (or none at all)
Lots of competing priorities
Minimal time for staff training
The training requirement for cyber safety is often just a short annual session. That’s not because schools don’t care – it’s because they’re working within the limits they’ve been given.
What about safety on site?
When incidents involve things like floor plans, schools work closely with local authorities, trusts and specialists to assess any wider risks.
Safeguarding doesn’t stop because of a cyber incident. If anything, schools become more vigilant, not less.
Why are we hearing about this more now?
Attacks are increasing across all sectors, not just education. Schools are targeted because attackers know:
Budgets are tight
Disruption causes pressure
Data is valuable
This is a national issue, not a single-school issue.
The key thing for parents to know
Schools are not being careless.
Staff are not ignoring the problem.
Children’s safety remains the top priority.
What’s needed, and what many school leaders are calling for, is:
Better funding for cyber protection
More meaningful training
Support that matches the level of risk schools now face
Until then, schools are doing the best they can in a very challenging environment.
If your school communicates openly after an incident, that’s a sign of responsibility – not failure.
