The aftermath of cyber attacks on schools and multi academy trusts is rarely documented or shared, so it was refreshing to see this video made in conjunction with GovernorHub.
Although the video is from 2021, the information and lessons learned from it are very pertinent. The CEO of the Harris Federation explains how they were attacked on a Friday evening and how they managed the attack and the subsequent recovery. The DfE Digital Standards for schools and colleges says that anyone that has access to the school network should have cyber security training annually, and this video is great for covering that remit.
He explains that had data retention for the organisation been better, the recovery might have been easier. He talks about all of the systems that were down and relied on the availability of the network, including the electric gates.
There is no doubt, that suffering a cyber attack can be devastating for an organisation however ready you might feel you are and however cyber resilient that you are.
Remember that if you suffer a cyber attack, you must report it to the ICO and there are other requirements depending on whether you are a school or a MAT.
Working your way through our checklists, like the Information/Cyber Security one can start to give you an idea of where your organisation is with cyber resilience. We would also recommend taking a look a the DfE Digital Standard for Cyber Security, which is the largest document in the set of documents. Governors or trustees should also consider assigning a digital link role within the governing body or board of trustees as well as assigning someone in SLT to be the SLT digital lead. Watch our short video about getting started with the DfE Digital Standards:
What to do in the event of a cyber attack
First, follow your cyber response plan. Record the incident in your internal incident log, inform your governing board or trustees, and contact your Data Protection Officer (DPO) as soon as possible if personal data could be involved.
Incidents or attacks where a security breach may have taken place, or other damage was caused, should also be reported to an external body. The SLT digital lead is responsible for assigning someone to report any suspicious cyber incidents or attacks. This person will need to report to:
- Report Fraud, which replaced Action Fraud in December 2025, on 0300 123 2040 or through the Report Fraud website. Make sure it is recorded as a crime report so that you receive a crime reference number.
- the DfE sector cyber team at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
You may also need to report to:
- the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) if the incident or attack causes long-term school closure, the closure of more than one school, or serious financial damage. If you're not sure who to report to, use the government's cyber incident signposting service.
- the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) within 72 hours of becoming aware of a personal data breach, unless the breach is unlikely to result in a risk to people's rights and freedoms. If the risk is high, you must also tell the people affected without undue delay. Your DPO can help you assess this. We will do this on behalf of DPE customers.
- the Risk Protection Arrangement (RPA) emergency assistance helpline on 0800 368 6378 or
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , if you are an RPA member, or your cyber insurance provider if you have one - your local police force if you suspect a safeguarding impact
- any third-party service providers whose systems are affected, so they can be part of a coordinated response
- Jisc CSIRT, if you are part of a further education institution.
You must act in accordance with:
- Report Fraud's guide to reporting cyber crime and fraud
- Academy Trust Handbook Part 6, if you are part of an academy trust. Since September 2025, academy trusts must not pay any cyber ransom demands.
- the ICO's guidance on personal data breaches.
Preserve the evidence
Police investigations may find out whether any compromised data has been published or sold, and identify the perpetrator. Preserving evidence is as important as recovering from the crime. Keep a clear record of what happened, when, and what actions you took. The DfE's guidance on record keeping in an incident explains what to capture.
Reporting suspicious emails and texts
Forward suspicious emails to