09 Nov What every school needs in a firewall
What every school needs in a firewall
Discover how schools and Multi-Academy Trusts are enhancing network security, achieving DfE compliance, and cutting costs with pfSense, delivered by IT & General through affordable, efficient, and stress-free deployments.
At glance
- Stronger security, lower costs
- DfE standards made simple
- Unified firewall management
- Smooth, disruption-free deployment
- Seamless rollout with IT & General
The reality for school IT teams
In today’s schools, the network is as essential as electricity. Teaching, administration, safeguarding systems, and communication all depend on reliable, secure access to online resources. But with that connectivity comes risk. A firewall is your school’s first line of defence, the digital gatekeeper deciding what comes in, what goes out, and what stays out entirely.
For years, many schools treated their firewall as a one-time expense, install it, switch it on, and forget it. But the digital landscape has changed. Threats are more sophisticated, compliance requirements are tighter, and networks must now support hundreds of devices per site. The good news? With the right approach, schools can strengthen their cybersecurity without overspending.
Why cost-effective firewalls matter more than ever
Cyber threats no longer target only big corporations , schools are now prime targets. Ransomware, phishing, and DDoS attacks can cause days of disruption, compromise sensitive data, and create major safeguarding risks.
The Department for Education’s Cyber Security Standards require schools to maintain robust firewall protection, not just to safeguard pupils, but to meet GDPR and data protection obligations. Yet many schools still struggle to balance security with affordability.
A cost-effective firewall doesn’t mean “cheap”, it means smart investment: strong protection, central management, and scalable performance that fit your budget and grow with your trust.
What we often hear
We recently worked with a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) that had outgrown its basic firewalls. Each school had a different setup, different rules, and varying levels of security. Managing them individually took up time and created gaps that left the network vulnerable.
The IT team needed a better solution, one that offered central control, consistency, and strong protection across all schools, but without a huge price tag.”
The trust moved to a unified, centrally managed firewall solution. They gained visibility across all sites, reduced time spent on manual updates, and saved significantly on licensing costs, all while improving network performance and reporting.
The result? Better protection, simpler management, and lower total cost of ownership.
The essentials of a school firewall, built for value
Strong security
Look for a firewall that can filter and inspect traffic, detect threats, and spot suspicious activity before it causes harm.
Content filtering
Essential for safeguarding and compliance, but it shouldn’t slow down access to learning tools or require expensive add-ons.
IDS/IPS
Intrusion Detection / Prevention (IDS/IPS). These advanced protections are now affordable and vital for detecting hidden threats.
Scalable
Choose a system that scales easily and can handle peak loads without needing costly hardware upgrades.
Beyond the basics: Smarter features that save time and money
Central management
For MATs, the ability to manage multiple schools from one dashboard saves countless hours and ensures consistent protection everywhere.
Secure remote access
Staff working remotely can connect safely through encrypted VPN access, reducing the need for extra tools or licences.
Built-in reporting
Integrated monitoring and reports simplify DfE and GDPR compliance, without additional software costs or manual admin.
Support and training
Knowledge transfer for your team plus escalation paths and incident response playbooks.
Each of these features translates directly into cost savings, fewer maintenance contracts, less downtime, and reduced reliance on external support.
DfE cyber security standards, made affordable
Meeting DfE cybersecurity standards doesn’t have to be expensive. By choosing the right firewall, you can meet requirements such as:
Using strong authentication and secure passwords
Keeping firmware and rules updated
Logging and reviewing network activity
Testing configurations before deployment
A properly managed, open-source-based solution can deliver these capabilities at a fraction of the cost of traditional enterprise products
Avoiding common (and costly) mistakes
We often see schools make avoidable mistakes that end up costing more in the long run:
Treating the firewall as “set and forget”, leading to outdated protection
Using different systems across sites, adding complexity and cost.
Choosing underpowered devices, causing slow networks and future upgrades
Neglecting monitoring and maintenance, leading to compliance issues
A small, smart investment in the right technology prevents these problems, and saves significant money over time.
Why pfSense is a smart, affordable choice
At IT & General, we recommend pfSense because it delivers enterprise-grade performance and flexibility without the enterprise price tag.
No costly per-user licences
Reuse existing hardware where possible
Centralised management across multiple schools
Enterprise-level security features at an education-friendly cost
With support from IT & General, schools can migrate smoothly, get expert configuration, and maintain a high level of security, all within budget.
The payoff: Secure, scalable, and cost-effective
Fewer security incidents and less downtime
Streamlined network management and compliance reporting
Long-term savings through scalable, open, and licence-free technology
When your network runs smoothly, IT staff can focus on supporting teaching and innovation instead of firefighting problems. That’s value that goes far beyond pounds and pence.
FAQs
What is the best firewall solution for schools and Multi-Academy Trusts?
How does a firewall help schools meet DfE Cyber Security Standards?
Can a school or trust save money by using pfSense instead of commercial firewalls?
Is pfSense suitable for Multi-Academy Trusts managing multiple sites?
How does IT & General support schools during the firewall rollout?
What kind of ongoing maintenance does a school firewall need?
Why choose IT & General as your education firewall partner?
Next Steps
If your school’s firewall hasn’t been reviewed recently, or if your MAT is struggling with multiple, inconsistent systems, now’s the time to act.
The right firewall protects your network, and your budget.
Talk to IT & General today for expert guidance on affordable, scalable firewall solutions built for schools and trusts.
Protect more. Spend less. Secure your future.