IT services for schools and academies

Suffolk County Council provides a range of IT services for schools, academies and multi-academy trusts based in Suffolk.

These services include supporting and training for Public Sector Network (PSN) compliant broadband circuits and secure cloud based remote backup services. We also work with partners to develop and deliver quality services tailored for education needs and budgets.

MIS for LA Maintained Schools

We are pleased to be partnering with Arbor Education to provide both the MIS and Finance data base for our LA Maintained Schools.

Benefits of using Arbor:

Below are just some of the benefits of moving to Arbor:

  • Cloud-based product, enabling users to login from anywhere.
  • Remove the need to maintain and run a dedicated on-premises server to host the MIS.
  • Staff, in roles such as School Business Manager, can save up to 1.5 hours per week. Less time spent on busy admin across school gives staff more time to focus on student outcomes.
  • Arbor’s recent “Return On Investment” report highlights that schools can typically consolidate two third-party systems because of moving to Arbor. Saving money on third-party licencing and support costs.

You can read more about Arbor Service description and FAQs.

Schools' broadband IT Circuits

It has never been more important for high speed, secure, reliable broadband connections that support the delivery of education either in the classroom or remotely using virtual classroom technologies. Find out more information about our IT Circuits services offerings 

Smoothwall web filtering

We are able to provide a managed firewall and Smoothwall web filtering service. The filtering service is designed to ensure that schools can meet their online safeguarding duties and legal mandates set out under the Prevent Duty and Keeping Children Safe Online.

Smoothwall service description and FAQs

We are also in the process of a trialling a Fortigate Filtering Solution – please contact us on schoolsitservices@suffolk.gov.uk if you would like more information.

Schools' email service

This service delivers a managed Microsoft 365 mailbox solution for staff members only, which provisions schools with a .suffolk.sch.uk email address using Microsoft A1 faculty licensing. To opt in to this service and request a quote, contact the IT Service Desk on 01473 265555 or send an email to schoolsitservices@suffolk.gov.uk.

Service description and FAQ's 

Request forms for downloading

Schools' Email Password or MFA reset

Suffolk schools’ cyber security

Cyber security is an ever-increasing challenge for all organisations with threats constantly evolving. It is important that we understand these threats and use technology effectively to ensure that children, staff and systems are protected.

Suffolk County Council is committed to help Suffolk schools with advice and resources to support them with the challenges of dealing with the growing cyber threats they face.

Redstor remote backup service

Suffolk County Council offers a fully managed backup service, where we monitor and resolve any issues with your Redstor backup. With this service we manage the amount of space you use and send alerts where you are getting close to the storage capacity you have purchased.

We also provide, through Redstor, services to schools and multi-academy trusts who wish to manage their own backups.

IT Procurement services

We offer two procurement services, one for Local Authority (LA) Maintained schools that buy an Enhanced Support Package for MIS support service and a second obtaining quotes on behalf of Schools/Academies.

IT Procurement service descriptions and FAQ’s

Contact us and service updates

Call IT Service Desk on 01473 265555 or email ITServicedesk@suffolk.gov.uk about our services.