Common ICT Challenges in Schools & How to Resolve Them

Drawing from our extensive experience in the educational sector over two decades, we’ve identified the most common IT challenges in schools and address how to resolve them effectively. 

With technology at the heart of teaching and learning, schools face a range of ICT-related challenges that can easily disrupt operations and teaching, so let's delve into the most common ICT pain points and the resolutions.

Common ICT Pain Points Faced in Schools 

Budget Constraints and Rising Costs 

Schools operate under tight financial budgets and ICT (which is often the second-largest expense after staffing) can quickly drain resources. Msaintaining an in-house IT team, purchasing hardware and keeping software licenses up to date often stretches budgets beyond capacity, leaving little room for enhancements or unexpected repairs. 

Lack of Specialist Expertise 

Many schools rely on a small in-house ICT team or a single technician who may not have the breadth of knowledge to handle complex issues like safeguarding software, cloud migrations, cybersecurity threats, or integrating new digital tools into the curriculum. This gap in expertise can lead to prolonged downtime and missed opportunities. 

Cybersecurity and Safeguarding Risks 

With the rise of online learning and digital administration, schools are prime targets for cyberattacks. Weak security measures, outdated systems and insufficient monitoring can expose sensitive student and staff data, putting schools at risk of non-compliance with regulations like the DfE’s Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidelines. 

Overworked IT Staff and Downtime 

In-house IT teams are often stretched thin, juggling day-to-day support, system maintenance and strategic planning. When issues arise (whether it’s a server crash or a potential cyberattack) response times can lag, disrupting teaching and administrative workflows. 

Complex Procurement and Tendering Processes 

Navigating ICT procurement is a headache for many schools. Ensuring compliance with regulations (like the 2023 Academy Trust Handbook’s value-for-money requirements), selecting the right hardware and software and managing installation can overwhelm IT staff who lack the time or expertise to handle it effectively. 

Keeping Pace with Technological Change 

The evolution of educational technology and the never-ending updates to policies and standards mean schools must constantly adapt. Without strategic guidance, many struggle to integrate these upgrades and updates in a way that supports pedagogy and improves outcomes. 

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How PSP Addresses These ICT Challenges 

At PSP Outsourced IT, we’ve designed our ICT services to tackle these pain points head-on, offering cost-effective, education-focused solutions that put pedagogy first. Here’s how we help UK schools overcome their ICT challenges through outsourcing:

Cost-Effective IT Management

Our outsourced IT services allow schools to consolidate the full-time role of an IT Director into a flexible contract, meaning you only pay for what you need. By reducing staff costs and streamlining procurement, we help schools save money while maintaining high-quality ICT provision. For example, our tendering and procurement service takes the burden off your team, ensuring you get the best value on hardware, software and cloud solutions while aligning with your budget and educational goals.

Access to Specialist Expertise

With over 20 years of experience in the education sector, our team brings strength in depth that most in-house teams often can’t match. Whether it’s migrating to the cloud, implementing AI-driven tools, or troubleshooting complex issues, we provide director-level expertise on demand. This means your school benefits from strategic planning and hands-on support without the overhead of a full-time position.

Robust Cybersecurity and Safeguarding

We prioritise the safety of your students and staff. Our services include implementing robust security measures with content filtering and network monitoring to protect your ICT environment. We align with KCSIE standards and even offer a free 30-day trial of Senso Cloud, a powerful safeguarding tool that ensures a secure online experience for your school community both on-site and at home with BOYD.

Reducing Downtime and Staff Workload

Our proactive support model includes regular site visits and daily system monitoring to catch issues before they escalate. This minimises disruption, keeping lessons on track and administrative tasks running smoothly. By outsourcing to PSP, your in-house IT staff can focus on their core responsibilities as they will be supported by our ICT experts for bigger tasks or escalations, freeing them from the pressure of larger ICT issues.

Streamlined Procurement and Tendering

We take over the entire procurement process, from identifying your ICT needs to managing tenders and installations. Our consultants leverage their senior leadership experience to ensure every purchase aligns with your school’s strategy and delivers maximum value for money. This not only saves time but also ensures compliance with public spending regulations, giving you peace of mind.

Future-Proofing with Strategic Leadership

Our outsourced Director of ICT service goes beyond “keeping the lights on.” We embed technology into your school’s fabric, focusing on pedagogy to enhance learning outcomes. Whether it’s adopting cloud solutions to reduce workload or growing digital literacy skills through modern tools, we provide agile, strategic support to keep your school ahead of the curve.

Why Partner with PSP Outsourced IT?

Partnering with PSP Outsourced IT isn’t just about fixing problems, it’s about unlocking the full potential of your school’s technology. We understand the unique demands of the education sector, from state schools to independent academies and trusts and we tailor our services to meet your specific needs. With a track record of supporting schools, we’ve seen firsthand how outsourcing can transform ICT from a pain point into a powerful asset.

What Are the Next Steps?

To get started, you can learn more about all the ICT services we provide for the educational sector, or alternatively do you can get in contact with us today to arrange a technological audit and create a digital strategy that works.