Now is the Time to Future-proof Your School IT

In today’s digital education landscape, your IT systems do more than power day-to-day operations—they protect sensitive data, support effective teaching, and ensure your school remains compliant with government expectations. But outdated technology can quickly become a liability. 

From security risks to performance issues, the consequences of running unsupported or legacy systems are growing—and for schools, the stakes are higher than ever. 

The Hidden Risks of Outdated Systems

When systems are left without updates or support, they become vulnerable to cyber threats, software incompatibilities, and performance degradation. This can lead to:

• Increased risk of cyber-attacks
• Data breaches affecting staff, students, and parents
• Disruption to learning and admin tasks
• Loss of compatibility with modern tools and platforms

For schools, this also means falling short of the Department for Education’s digital and technology standards, which require devices to be:

• Secure and supported by the manufacturer
• Capable of receiving security updates
• Able to run modern software and browsers
• Inclusive through assistive technology

Book a consultation with SBS

A Timely Example: The Windows 10 Deadline

One key upcoming milestone is Microsoft’s end of support for Windows 10 and Office 2016/2019, due on 14 October 2025.

After this date, these systems will no longer receive security updates—leaving any school still relying on them exposed to potential threats and out of step with compliance expectations. If your school hasn’t yet started preparing for the transition to Windows 11 and Office 2024, now is the time to act.

Download our free upgrade guide

How SBS Supports Schools

At SBS, we help schools and Trusts assess, plan, and deliver critical IT upgrades with minimal disruption.

Our services include:

• Auditing your current systems and identifying risks
• Creating a phased upgrade plan tailored to your school’s needs
• Carrying out upgrades during school closure periods to avoid disruption
• Offering full support before, during, and after implementation

We’re currently scheduling upgrades for October half term, one of the only viable windows to complete this work without impacting teaching.

 

Stay Ahead, Stay Secure

Keeping your IT systems up to date isn’t just about having the latest software—it’s about protecting your school community, meeting your compliance obligations, and ensuring your systems are fit for purpose.

Whether you're facing the Windows 10 deadline or reviewing your broader digital infrastructure, now is the time to future-proof your IT.

Contact us