The NCSC video is a good start. It ticks a box, delivers the basics and helps schools meet a key requirement for RPA cyber cover. But let’s be honest, a 36-minute video isn’t training. It’s an introduction.
Real learning happens through repetition, conversation and culture.
The problem with “one and done”
School staff are busy. Between safeguarding responsibilities, marking, admin, and constant change, cyber security can feel abstract – something IT “looks after”. But when training is only delivered once, knowledge fades fast. Behavioural science calls this the forgetting curve – most people lose 70% of what they learn within a week if it’s not reinforced.
Bias plays a part too.
Optimism bias: “It won’t happen to us.”
Overload bias: “There’s too much to take in.”
Delegation bias: “Someone else will deal with it.”
It’s not laziness, it’s human. Under stress or time pressure, we all default to habits. That’s why one-off training doesn’t change behaviour; culture does.
Building culture, not just compliance
Ongoing awareness isn’t about scaring staff. It’s about making cyber security part of daily life in school – just like safeguarding or data protection.
That’s where managed training from Huntress and CyberSmart Learn helps.
Huntress delivers short, story-based modules that staff actually enjoy, with automated reminders and real-time phishing simulations.
CyberSmart Learn integrates compliance tracking, so you can prove to the DfE and RPA that every member of staff is trained and up to date.
Both tools adapt to how people actually learn – small, regular doses that build confidence over time.
Making it stick
Creating a culture of awareness doesn’t need to add more work. Automated training and reporting save time for safeguarding leads and IT teams. Certificates update automatically, and refresher sessions run quietly in the background – no chasing, no forgotten logins.
You end up with a team that understands why cyber security matters, not just what to click.
Keep your staff confident, compliant and ready.
Learn how to build continuous awareness across your school or trust:
Keep your staff confident, compliant and ready.
Learn how to build continuous awareness across your school or trust:
