Schools and MATs are facing a rapidly evolving landscape in data protection and cyber security, driven by new technologies, legislation, updated government standards, and increasing cyber threats. These forces look set to redefine the future of data management and security in education, demanding strategic foresight and operational resilience.
New and emerging trends 2025
AI and Data Protection
Artificial Intelligence is becoming a cornerstone in enhancing data security frameworks, offering advanced tools for threat detection, predictive analytics, and automated response. However, its integration introduces new challenges:
- Ethical governance is essential to prevent misuse and ensure transparency.
- The DfE’s guidance on generative AI stresses the importance of safeguarding personal data, especially in systems that influence pupil outcomes.
- Schools must conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) before deploying AI tools and ensure human oversight in decision-making processes.
Legislation Changes
The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (DUAA) has been signed into law this year, and will become effective over the coming weeks and months:
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The European Union has yet to approve a renewed adequacy decision for the United Kingdom. If it fails to do so, the UK will become a third country, and data transfers between the EU and the UK as well as processing data of EU citizens’ data will become significantly more challenging. Early indications suggest that the EU continues to view the UK’s data protection legislation and practices as essentially equivalent to its own and therefore will, hopefully, renew the adequacy decision for 6 years. The EU will continue to monitor the UK’s application of its law but reserves the right to withdraw adequacy at any point.
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The DUAA will only have minimal impact on the way schools manage data protection. Most of the data protection related changes only clarify or solidify understanding that was already in place:
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Subject requests: "stop the clock” and limiting to "reasonable searches”.
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We welcome the introduction of child-specific-design provisions into the law.
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A new lawful basis of “recognised legitimate interest” has been introduced and can be used when the purpose of the processing is for example, for safeguarding or cyber security (among others). But as has been the case with the legacy lawful basis of Legitimate Interest, it can not be used by public authorities in the pursuit of their duties.
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Relaxed rules around international data transfers - but not too much, as not to endanger their adequacy.
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Slightly more regimented complaints handling.
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Slightly toned down requirements in the PECR legislation mean that “low risk” cookies will not require a consent banner any longer.
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Cyber Security
Cyber threats are growing in complexity and frequency, prompting schools and MATs to adopt more robust security measures:
- The DfE’s updated Digital & Technology Standards mandate improvements in broadband, filtering, monitoring, and cyber resilience.
- Schools and MATs are now prohibited from paying ransomware demands, reinforcing the need for strong incident response plans.
- Regular risk assessments, phishing simulations, and staff training are gradually becoming standard practice.
The ICO recently shared a case on LinkedIn that was a stark reminder of the risks posed by insider threats and stressed the importance of staff training and technical safeguards as outlined in the Information & cyber security section of their data protection toolkit.
These measures will be essential to safeguard sensitive information against increasingly sophisticated and relentless cyberattacks, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of data.
Strategic Leadership and Cultural Shifts
- Cyber security is now a board-level priority, with some MATs appointing executive sponsors to oversee digital risk.
- There’s a growing emphasis on capability building, including apprenticeships, partnerships with managed service providers, and peer networks.
- Schools are embedding cyber security into their institutional risk frameworks, moving from reactive to proactive strategies, undertaking regular audits and gap analyses.
As schools and MATs navigate these developments, it is important to balance the benefits of enhanced security with the challenges of ethical governance and legal compliance. The integration of sophisticated cyber security measures, transparent data management frameworks, and strategic leadership will be key to safeguarding sensitive information and maintaining trust in the years to come.
Empowering education with smart, cost-effective Data Protection & Cyber Security solutions
At GDPRiS, we specialise in supporting schools, academies, and multi-academy trusts with robust, education-focused data protection and cyber security services. Our platform, services and expert team help organisations stay compliant, secure, and confident in the face of evolving digital threats. Book a meeting with our team today!