New data from Ofqual has revealed that schools and colleges across England are getting better at bouncing back from cyber security incidents.

Ofqual is encouraging schools to build on this progress by putting more robust measures in place so staff know what to do if systems are attacked.

Data shows that the proportion of schools experiencing a cyber incident has fallen to 27 per cent, during 2025 to 2026, down from 29 per cent in 2024 to 2025 and 34 per cent in 2023 to 2024. 

Furthermore, when incidents do occur, schools are recovering faster, with 66 per cent able to recover immediately, up from 55 per cent, in the academic year prior. Critical damage from attacks has also fallen, down to 7 per cent.

Amanda Swann, Ofqual’s Executive Director of Delivery, said: "It’s encouraging to see schools recovering faster, but a cyber breach can still cause real uncertainty for students if coursework or marks are lost, and staff confidence can be affected long after systems are back online."