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Schools Improve Cybersecurity Recovery Times, But Leadership Responsibility Lacks Consensus

Schools Improve Cybersecurity Recovery Times, But Leadership Responsibility Lacks Consensus

First seen 1 Oct 2026, 03:02 UTC • •
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ThreatCluster AI
ThreatCluster •October 1, 2026 at 03:03 UTC
  • •27% of schools reported cyber incidents in 2025-26, down from 29% the previous year.
  • •66% of schools can now recover from cyber incidents immediately, an increase from 55%.
  • •Only 9% of teachers believe senior leadership is responsible for cybersecurity.

According to Ofqual's third annual cybersecurity survey, schools in England are experiencing fewer cyber incidents, with 27% reporting attacks in the 2025-26 academic year, down from 29% the previous year. Recovery times have improved, with 66% of schools able to recover immediately from incidents, compared to 55% the year before. However, there is a significant lack of consensus among teachers regarding who is primarily responsible for cybersecurity, with 46% citing IT teams, 40% all staff, and only 9% senior leadership. Ofqual emphasizes that cybersecurity is a leadership responsibility and encourages schools to adopt robust measures, including regular backups and clear response plans. Despite the improvements, incidents still cause uncertainty for students and staff, particularly when coursework or marks are lost. Over half of secondary schools surveyed have taken protective actions, such as implementing cybersecurity policies and conducting risk assessments.

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Timeline

2026-09-30
Ofqual releases cybersecurity survey results
The survey indicates a decrease in cyber incidents and improved recovery times for schools in England.
Gov.Uk
2026-09-30
Ofqual urges schools to improve cybersecurity measures
Ofqual calls for schools to adopt stronger cybersecurity policies and clarify leadership responsibilities.
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Common questions

What percentage of schools experienced cyber incidents?
27% of schools reported experiencing cyber incidents in the 2025-26 academic year.
How quickly can schools recover from cyber incidents?
66% of schools can now recover immediately from cyber incidents.
Who is primarily responsible for cybersecurity in schools?
There is a lack of consensus; 46% of teachers say IT teams, 40% say all staff, and only 9% say senior leadership.