Windows 10 stopped receiving security updates in October 2025. Transitioning to Windows 11, is a critical step for schools and MATs. 

Why upgrade to Windows 11?

With the end of support for Windows 10 in October 2025, Schools and MATs must upgrade to Windows 11 to maintain data security and compliance with industry standards. This necessary upgrade not only ensures security but also offers enhanced features, improved performance, and a more user-friendly interface.

To ensure security and compliance, your school devices must be upgraded to Windows 11. Depending on the age of your devices, the type of upgrade required will vary:

1.      Devices requiring only a Windows upgrade

2.      Devices needing a complete wipe and fresh installation of Windows 11 (due to technical specifications)

3.      Devices too old to support Windows 11 

The ICT Schools Team has advises on device status and rolls out Windows 11 to supported Whole Schools to ensure compliance.

We can currently source devices at reduced costs, including a £150 ‘next day replacement’ warranty, which is vital for schools where such devices are critical to continuing pupil learning, administrative, or financial tasks.

If you would like advice and guidance on your current stock of laptops and desktops, or a quote for new or refurbished devices.

Complete the ICT Schools Team VOIP Telephony or Windows 11 Enquiry Form for an initial enquiry. 

Communications providers in the UK are replacing the technology they use to provide fixed telephone networks (landlines). For most customers, the upgrade is expected to be complete by January 2027.

What is the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) switch-off?

The old copper-based PSTN phone network will be shut down, and all landline services will be delivered through broadband connections instead. Schools that still use traditional landlines need to migrate to a VoIP system or risk losing phone connectivity.

Schools rely heavily on their phone systems for everyday operations, including:

• Internal and external communication
• Emergency calls
• Parent-teacher communication 
• Communication with Local Authority teams

With the PSTN switch-off, any school that hasn’t upgraded to Voice Over IP (VoIP) could face disruptions. Schools need a reliable communication system to ensure student safety, staff coordination, and uninterrupted operations.

What the ICT Schools Team can offer:

We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Chess, a leading provider of VOIP services for educational institutions. This collaboration allows us to offer schools an exclusive preferential rate, and together with our trusted service, you can count on our guidance and ongoing support every step of the way.

Already installed in several Buckinghamshire pilot schools, the implementation, configuration, and subsequent daily use has been an overwhelming success and has transformed and significantly improved those School’s telecommunications.

Full support package is also available; let us take the manage for you - this from exploratory meeting, installations, set up to ongoing support and issue resolution. 

Complete the ICT Schools Team VOIP Telephony or Windows 11 Enquiry Form for an initial enquiry. 

Boxphish is a cyber‑security awareness platform that helps staff recognise and avoid cyber‑attacks—particularly phishing emails, which are one of the biggest risks in schools today. It works by combining three key elements:

• Realistic phishing simulations that show staff what suspicious emails look like, helping everyone practise spotting threats before they cause harm. 
• Simple, easy‑to‑follow cybersecurity training, including short videos and quizzes, designed to build whole‑school confidence in recognising unsafe online behaviour.
• Clear analytics, which help schools understand how aware staff are and where extra support might be needed.

Why It Matters for Schools

Human error is one of the biggest causes of cyber incidents—around 68% of attacks involve a mistake made by someone in the organisation.

For busy school staff juggling multiple responsibilities, tools like Boxphish help create a safer digital environment by increasing awareness and reducing risk.

Who Uses It?

Boxphish is widely used across UK, including Buckinghamshire Council and is well‑established and trusted in the education sector.

In Short, Boxphish helps schools:

• Train staff to spot phishing and online threats
• Reduce the risk of cyber‑attacks
• Build a more cyber‑aware culture
• Strengthen overall safeguarding and data protection practices

All through quick, manageable training and realistic practice scenarios.

Complete an ICT Schools Team Boxphish Enquiry Form for an initial enquiry