This blog is from one of COBIS’ Supporting Associates.

Written by James Shackley - Solutions Success Manager, MSP LAB

Make the most of the summer holidays to refresh and future-proof your digital environment.  

In the competitive environment of international education, independent schools are uniquely positioned to review, shape and deliver their IT strategies to provide the maximum benefit for their learners. This flexibility also comes with heightened expectations from parents, governors, and inspectors around the role that well-implemented IT should play in delivering exceptional learning.  

Such autonomy also unlocks a valuable opportunity: to differentiate your school’s educational offering through a distinctive and high-quality digital experience. 

The summer break offers the ideal strategic moment to strengthen your infrastructure, sharpen your cybersecurity, and make smart, forward-thinking improvements that positively impact teaching, learning, and deliver operational excellence.  

Based on our experience partnering with Independent Schools in the UK and far beyond and from ‘real world’ best practise, our IT Consultants have compiled our top ‘pre-flight’ IT checks for the summer, designed to help you head into the new school year fully prepared for a smooth, stress-free start.  
 
Here are 7 Key Areas to prioritise before the new academic year begins:  

1. Review your IT Set-Up 

Start with a comprehensive check of your current infrastructure: 

• Are classroom and staff devices still performing effectively? 

• Are systems and software up to date and supported? 

• Do your IT investments still align with your strategic goals? 
   

2. Audit Network & Wi-Fi Performance 

AI powered digital teaching tools, streaming, and BYOD programmes all rely on fast, stable connectivity. 

• Test real-world Wi-Fi performance across the entire campus, including boarding houses and outbuildings. 

• Upgrade aging network infrastructure to prevent disruption. 

• Ensure secure, segmented access for pupils, staff, and guests.
   

3. Strengthen Cyber Security 

Cyber attacks targeting schools are on the rise. 

• Enforce strong password policies and implement multi-factor authentication. 

• Review firewall and antivirus systems. 

• Conduct vulnerability assessments and consider Cyber Essentials certification. 
   

4. Clean Up User Accounts 

The summer holidays are the most practical time to clean up user accounts, given the high level of staff and pupil transitions. 

• Remove old accounts and update permissions. 

• Automate onboarding and offboarding processes. 

• Set up class groups and access rights in advance.  
   

5. Review Software Licensing 

Check for expired or underused subscriptions. 

• Ask staff about unofficial tools - especially AI-powered apps. 

• Check that all licences and subscriptions are current.  

• Consider consolidating software suppliers or investing in training to maximise existing platforms. 

• Ensure all applications are internally vetted first, prior to being used in the classroom. 

• Consider enforcing an approvals process so that school data is secured and safeguarding considered at all times. 

• Aim to set up 'Single Sign On' so that staff and pupils don't have to remember multiple logins/passwords.  
   

6. Test Backups and Continuity Plans 

Ensure learning continues uninterrupted - be fully prepared for any disruption. 

• Make sure critical data is securely backed up and recoverable. 

• Your disaster recovery plan must reflect current contacts, systems, and procedures. 

• Ensure any single points of failure are addressed now, not during an emergency. 
   

7. Support and Train Staff 

Support confident technology use by building digital skills into staff development. 

• Arrange refresher training before term starts and promote the correct channels for IT support.  

• Build digital capability into CPD plans.  
   

MSP LAB is renowned for delivering comprehensive, detailed IT reviews designed for Independent Schools, including thorough Technical and Stakeholder Assessments, which offer actionable advice and give educational leaders clarity on their Digital and Infrastructure posture – particularly relevant for organisations facing challenges around mergers and acquisitions, whether domestic or international.  
 
We become your strategic partner – helping shape, manage, and grow your digital strategy and deliver IT projects, providing hardware, networking solutions, and infrastructure deployments, including network upgrades, cloud strategies, and cybersecurity, ensuring schools have fast, reliable IT for effective teaching and learning. 

Follow this link to find out more about MSP LAB, watch our ‘bite sized’ videos and download your Summer IT Essentials Guide.