Four summers.
That’s how many major summer upgrade windows schools have left before 2030: 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.
At first glance, four summers might feel like plenty of time. But when you factor in budgets, procurement, existing contracts, surveys, installation and testing, that time can disappear quickly.
The Department for Education expects every school and college to be working towards six core digital and technology standards by 2030:
- Broadband internet
- Wireless networks
- Network switching
- Digital leadership and governance
- Filtering and monitoring
- Cyber security
Together, they are designed to provide the secure, reliable and well-managed technology foundation that modern education depends on.
Why count in summers?
Because summer is often the best opportunity to get important technology work done.
It’s the time when cabling can be installed, networks upgraded and systems tested without interrupting lessons. But not every improvement can happen at once.
A new wireless network might depend on upgraded switches. Better connectivity may uncover ageing cabling. Cyber security improvements could require changes to systems, processes and staff training.
Everything is connected. Without a clear roadmap, one delayed decision can quickly become another year lost.
This isn’t just an IT job
Technology now runs through almost everything a school does, from safeguarding and teaching tools to communications, catering and day-to-day operations.
That means meeting the standards cannot sit with one technician or be left until something goes wrong. It needs leadership, ownership and a plan.
The DfE’s digital leadership standard places responsibility on school leaders to assign an SLT digital lead and develop a strategy shaped by the needs of staff, pupils and the wider school, not by technology for technology’s sake.
Make this summer count
You don’t need to replace everything this summer.
But you do need to know where you stand.
Start by reviewing your current infrastructure against the six core standards. Identify the biggest gaps, understand which improvements depend on others and build a realistic roadmap across the summers you have left.
Four summers. Six standards. One clear opportunity to move forward without the final-year rush.
At Concero, we help schools turn digital ambition into action, bringing together strategy, infrastructure, cyber security and support so teachers can teach, leaders can lead and people can thrive.
Ready to plan your next steps?
Contact us to see how we can help guide your school through the DfE standards, identify your priority areas and build a realistic roadmap towards 2030.
