Over the past year, the number of cyberattacks targeting UK schools has surged, and in recent months, things have gone from worrying to urgent.
Classrooms have been disrupted, data has been stolen, exams have been compromised, and in some cases, schools have been forced to shut down. Headlines across the UK paint a grim picture: ransomware, criminal investigations, leaked student records, and password resets affecting thousands.
So what’s really going on? Why are schools being targeted, and what can be done?
Let’s take a closer look at some of the biggest attacks, what they reveal, and how UK schools can respond.
The Most Significant Attacks: Who, When, and What Happened
West Lothian Schools – May 2025
What happened? A widespread ransomware attack hit 86 schools, forcing a full-scale review of systems and ongoing contingency planning.
What was affected? Admin systems and classroom resources.
What’s next? A criminal investigation is underway, involving Police Scotland and national cybercrime units.
Source: West Lothian Council
Edinburgh Schools – May 2025
What happened? A phishing attack compromised email systems, affecting access to exam revision materials during a critical period.
What was the response? Emergency weekend password resets for over 2,500 students.
Any data loss? No confirmed breaches, but significant disruption.
Source: The Times
Fylde Coast Academy Trust (Blackpool) – September 2024
What happened? The Rhysida ransomware group breached the trust’s IT systems and demanded a £1.2 million ransom.
Impact? Confidential data from 10 schools was stolen and threatened with public release.
Significance? Demonstrates that attackers are actively targeting multi-academy trusts to maximise disruption and extortion.
Source: Blackpool Gazette
Blacon High School (Chester) – January 2025
What happened? A ransomware attack led to the school’s temporary closure.
Impact? Learning was paused, and urgent cybersecurity recovery plans were activated.
Source: The Register
So… Why Are Schools Being Targeted?
The reasons are simple — and concerning.
1. Schools Are Vulnerable
Many schools still run outdated systems, lack dedicated IT staff, or rely on under-protected networks. Attackers know this and exploit it.
2. Human Error Is Common
Phishing emails, fake messages designed to trick staff into revealing login details, are alarmingly effective, especially when security training is limited.
3. Data Is Valuable
Even small schools hold vast amounts of personal data: names, addresses, safeguarding notes, medical information, payroll, and more.
4. Disruption Is Leverage
Attackers understand that schools can’t afford to be offline, especially during exam seasons. That makes ransomware a lucrative strategy.
The Bigger Picture: It’s Not Just About IT
According to the Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2024, 71% of secondary schools reported at least one cybersecurity incident in the past 12 months.
Further education institutions reported even higher numbers, with 86% confirming breaches.
Meanwhile, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has repeatedly warned that education is one of the UK’s most targeted sectors, and has published dedicated guidance to help schools strengthen their defences.
What Your School Can Do Right Now
1. Train Staff to Spot Phishing
The majority of successful attacks begin with a single email. Regular staff training is one of the most cost-effective defences available.
2. Enforce Strong Password Policies
Use unique, complex passwords, and encourage the use of password managers. Avoid shared logins at all costs.
3. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA can block attackers even if a password is compromised. It’s a critical line of defence.
4. Backup Systems Offsite
Ensure backups are stored securely and can be restored quickly. This can be the difference between a minor incident and a disaster.
5. Review Incident Response Plans
Every school should have a tested plan outlining what to do in a cyber incident: who responds, who communicates, and how recovery happens.
How Link ICT Can Help Your School Stay Secure
At Link ICT, we’ve worked with UK schools for over 20 years, and we understand the pressures and constraints schools face. Our cybersecurity services are designed to be practical, affordable, and tailored to the education sector.
We can help you:
- Audit your current defences and spot gaps
- Train your staff and leadership teams
- Implement secure systems like password managers and MFA
- Monitor your network and respond to incidents in real-time
- Comply with UK GDPR and DfE cybersecurity guidance
Don’t wait for an attack to expose your weaknesses. Contact Link ICT today to strengthen your school’s cyber defences and protect what matters most: your staff, your students, and their data.
Speak with our team or request a free cybersecurity readiness consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are schools really being targeted more than businesses?
A: In 2024–2025, schools experienced a surge in attacks, often because of weaker IT infrastructure and the value of student data.
Q: Do we need a full-time IT team to stay secure?
A: Not necessarily. Many schools partner with managed ICT providers like Link ICT to get expert support at an affordable cost.
Q: What’s the biggest cybersecurity risk in schools right now?
A: Human error, especially falling for phishing emails. But outdated systems and weak password policies also rank high.