Guide
Choosing an MSP for a multi-academy trust
Compare a defined service and governance model, not an hourly rate or helpdesk promise in isolation.
01
Define responsibility
Map strategy, service desk, on-site support, networks, identity, devices, cloud, backups, cyber response, filtering and monitoring.
02
Test the model
Work through a safeguarding alert, outage, compromised account, failed restore, new-school onboarding and urgent leaver. Ask who acts, when and with what evidence.
03
Plan transition and exit
Evaluate discovery, documentation, incumbent cooperation, data access, tooling, knowledge transfer, acceptance and exit support.
Questions
Questions this page should answer
Should every trust school receive an identical service?
Not necessarily. Define a common minimum and a governed exception route.
What evidence should bidders provide?
Education references, reporting examples, responsibility mapping, security processes and transition plans.
Accountability
Sources and evidence
- IT supportDepartment for Education. Expectations for planning, commissioning and reviewing education IT support.
- Filtering and monitoring: core standardDepartment for Education. Governance, review and technical expectations for filtering and monitoring.
- Cyber security: core standardDepartment for Education. Cyber-governance and resilience expectations for schools and colleges.