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A new statutory safeguarding information-sharing duty comes into force on 30 September 2026. Schools, academies and trusts should understand what is changing and make sure safeguarding and data protection arrangements work together. This practical SchoolDPO guide explains what the new duty means, how it interacts with UK GDPR, when information can be shared, and seven practical checks schools should complete before the new requirements take effect.

The first few weeks of a new academic year are some of the busiest in any school. New pupils arrive. New staff start. Accounts are created. Parents provide updated information. New software may be introduced, suppliers change and thousands of pieces of personal information begin moving around the school again. So while nobody needs another enormous September checklist, there are a few data protection checks worth completing now. This year there is another important considerat

A recent reported cyber incident affecting Department for Education systems highlights the growing risk of highly convincing phishing attacks targeting schools. This article explains what may be at risk, why professional contact details matter, and the seven essential checks every school should complete immediately to strengthen cyber resilience and protect staff, pupils and finances.

At SchoolDPO, we believe that schools deserve advice that is not only practical and proportionate, but also informed by the latest developments in data protection, freedom of information and information governance. That’s why we’re proud to announce that SchoolDPO is now a member of the National Association of Data Protection & FOI Officers (NADPO). Joining NADPO reflects our ongoing commitment to professional development and keeping up to date with changes in legislation, IC

The summer holidays may have begun for many schools, but compliance doesn’t stop when the pupils leave. This week has seen several important developments in safeguarding, data protection and education that school leaders should be aware of before the new academic year begins. Rather than simply listing the headlines, here’s what they mean in practice and whether schools need to take action now. 1. Updated DfE Data Protection Guidance The Department for Education has refreshed

Welcome to this week’s SchoolDPO Brief. With the summer holidays beginning across England, many schools are turning their attention to September. While pupils may be breaking up, this is one of the best times of year to review your school’s data protection arrangements before staff and students return. This week, we focus on preparing your school for the new academic year with practical actions that can reduce risk and improve compliance. 📰 This Week’s Focus Is your school r

I would actually pivot the article slightly. Rather than making it sound like it’s reporting “news”, make it a practical guide that uses the ICO’s guidance as the authority. That way it remains relevant for years and avoids becoming dated. Is Your School’s EdTech Really GDPR Compliant? Five Questions Every School Should Ask Before Approving or Renewing Education Technology Every school now relies on technology. From Management Information Systems (MIS) and safeguarding platfo

Published: 30 June 2026 Data protection and cyber security remain critical priorities for schools across the UK. With evolving regulations and emerging technologies, staying informed is essential for maintaining School GDPR Compliance and protecting sensitive information. This week’s update highlights five key developments that every school leader, Data Protection Officer, and compliance lead should know to safeguard their community and ensure smooth School Data Protection pr

Published: 6 July 2026 Category: Weekly Intelligence Welcome to the SchoolDPO Weekly Intelligence Round-up The pace of change in data protection, cyber security and artificial intelligence is accelerating, making it increasingly difficult for schools to keep up. Each week, SchoolDPO.com reviews updates from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), Department for Education (DfE), National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), Ofqual, JCQ and other trusted sources to identify the d

New data protection rules are changing what schools need to do before September 2026. Discover the five key actions every Headteacher, School Business Manager and Trust should take to remain compliant with UK GDPR and the latest ICO and DfE guidance.

A red extreme heat warning, amended timetables, early closures and a flurry of messages home — the busiest comms week of the term is also the riskiest for data breaches. Here’s why misdirected emails spike in the heat, the simple habits that prevent them, and what the DfE and ICO expect if one slips through.

In today's digital age, data protection is of utmost importance, especially within the educational sector. Schools, academies, and...

Data protection compliance is a crucial aspect for schools, academies, and multi-academy trusts in today's digital age. With the...

In today's digital age, data protection regulations are becoming increasingly complex and critical for organizations to adhere to. For...