This guide covers everything about securly classroom. Most UK schools are grappling with the dual challenge of integrating digital tools for enhanced learning while ensuring pupil safety and focus. Securly Classroom emerges as a powerful ally in this endeavour, offering complete solutions for managing and securing digital classrooms. As of May 2026, its capabilities have evolved significantly, providing educators with unprecedented control and insight into their pupils’ online activities.
Last updated: May 5, 2026
The first thing worth saying about Securly Classroom is that it’s designed with the busy educator in mind. It doesn’t demand a deep technical background to operate, yet it delivers sophisticated features that protect students and simplify classroom management. This guide will explore how Securly Classroom empowers UK schools to foster a safer, more productive digital learning environment.
Key Takeaways
- Securly Classroom provides real-time monitoring and management of student devices within the school network or remotely.
- Its content filtering and web-blocking capabilities help safeguard pupils from inappropriate online material.
- Teachers can use Securly Classroom to guide lesson delivery, redirect focus, and ensure optimal use of digital resources.
- The platform offers strong reporting and analytics to help schools understand online behaviour patterns and address potential issues proactively.
- As of May 2026, Securly Classroom integrates seamlessly with many existing school IT infrastructures, making implementation smoother.
What is Securly Classroom?
Securly Classroom is a cloud-based classroom management and online safety platform. It enables educators to monitor, manage, and guide student device usage during school hours, whether pupils are in a physical classroom or learning remotely. The core purpose is to create a secure and focused digital learning environment, mitigating risks associated with internet access and ensuring that technology serves educational objectives effectively.
Think of it as a digital teacher’s assistant. It operates on the devices students use for learning—laptops, tablets, or desktops—providing teachers with a dashboard that offers visibility into what each student is doing online. This isn’t about surveillance for its own sake, but about facilitating a more controlled and productive educational experience. The system is designed to align with the Department for Education’s (DfE) guidance on online safety in schools.
Core Functionalities for Educators
At its heart, Securly Classroom offers several critical functionalities:
- Real-time Monitoring: Teachers can see open tabs, active applications, and browsing history for each student in real-time.
- Content Filtering & Web Blocking: strong tools to block access to inappropriate websites, distracting applications, and social media during lesson times.
- Device Control: Ability to lock student screens, redirect browsing to specific educational resources, and manage active applications.
- Reporting & Analytics: Detailed reports on student online activity, internet usage, and filtered content, aiding in digital citizenship education and behaviour analysis.
- Remote Learning Support: Extends classroom management features to students learning from home, ensuring continuity of a safe digital learning space.
These features are crucial for maintaining focus, preventing cyberbullying incidents, and ensuring that school-provided devices are used for their intended educational purpose. For instance, a Year 9 history teacher could use Securly Classroom to ensure all pupils are viewing the designated primary source document rather than being sidetracked by social media or games.
The Importance of Digital Classroom Management in 2026
The educational landscape has transformed dramatically, with digital devices becoming integral to teaching and learning across all Key Stages in UK schools. From interactive whiteboards to individual pupil laptops and tablets, technology offers immense potential. However, this integration brings significant challenges, particularly concerning online safety and maintaining student focus. Ofsted inspections increasingly scrutinise schools’ approaches to safeguarding, including their strategies for managing online risks.
As of May 2026, the risks are complex. Students may encounter harmful content, be exposed to cyberbullying, or become engrossed in distracting online activities, detracting from their academic progress. And, the proliferation of personal devices and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policies in some secondary schools adds another layer of complexity to network security and monitoring. Securly Classroom directly addresses these concerns.
Safeguarding Pupils Online
The primary driver for implementing solutions like Securly Classroom is safeguarding. The platform helps schools fulfil their duty of care by providing tools to:
- Prevent access to illegal or inappropriate content (e.g., extremist material, child sexual abuse material, gambling sites).
- Mitigate risks of cyberbullying by monitoring communications and identifying concerning online behaviour.
- Protect students from online predators and grooming attempts.
According to guidance from the Department for Education (DfE) (2025), schools must have strong filtering and monitoring systems in place. Securly Classroom’s complete web filtering, which can be customised to age groups and specific school policies, is a key component in meeting these requirements.
Enhancing Focus and Productivity
Beyond safety, Securly Classroom is a powerful tool for improving the learning experience. By enabling teachers to manage device usage actively, it reduces distractions. A teacher can:
- Open a specific website on all student devices simultaneously for a shared learning activity.
- Close distracting tabs or applications on a student’s device if they are veering off-task.
- Set time limits for certain applications or websites.
This controlled environment ensures that lesson time is used effectively. For example, during a timed online assessment, a teacher can lock down all other browser tabs and applications to prevent cheating or distraction, ensuring a fair and accurate evaluation of pupil understanding.
Key Features of Securly Classroom
Securly Classroom’s effectiveness stems from its suite of integrated features, designed to be intuitive for educators while providing powerful control.
Real-time Classroom View
The central dashboard provides an immediate snapshot of the digital classroom. Teachers can see thumbnail previews of each student’s screen, allowing them to quickly identify who is on-task and who might need assistance or redirection. This visual overview is invaluable for managing a classroom where students are working on individual devices.
A teacher in a Year 7 maths class, for instance, can scan the dashboard and immediately spot two students who have navigated away from the designated online graphing tool to a gaming website. With a single click, the teacher can close the offending tab on their devices.
Targeted Content Filtering
Securly Classroom allows granular control over internet access. Schools can implement custom block lists, allow lists, and category-based filtering to align with their acceptable use policies and the age-appropriateness of content. This is critical for complying with DfE recommendations on preventing access to extremist content and other harmful material.
For example, a primary school might block all social media platforms and gaming sites, while a secondary school might allow access to specific educational forums but block general social networking sites during school hours. The filtering is dynamic and can be adjusted based on specific lesson needs.
Student Device Control Tools
Teachers have several tools to actively guide student activity:
- Screen Lock: Temporarily freezes a student’s screen, useful for gaining attention or focusing them on a specific task.
- Website Redirection: Sends all students in a class to a specific URL, ideal for directing them to a shared document, video, or online quiz.
- Application Management: Allows teachers to block or allow specific applications on student devices.
- Message Sending: Enables teachers to send private messages to individual students, offering discreet support or guidance.
Consider a scenario where a teacher is delivering a live online lesson. They can use the ‘Website Redirection’ feature to ensure every student is looking at the correct presentation slide or interactive element on their screen, maximising engagement and comprehension.
Complete Reporting and Analytics
Understanding student online behaviour is key to effective intervention and digital citizenship education. Securly Classroom generates reports on:
- Web Activity: Which websites and search terms students have accessed.
- Application Usage: Which apps have been used and for how long.
- Filtering Events: Instances where content was blocked.
- Risk Alerts: Potential indicators of cyberbullying or exposure to harmful content.
These reports are invaluable for identifying patterns, supporting students who may be struggling with online distractions or risks, and informing the school’s wider digital safety curriculum. For instance, if reports indicate a student is repeatedly attempting to access gambling sites, the school can proactively offer support and guidance.
Securly Classroom for Remote Learning
The shift towards blended and remote learning models necessitates strong solutions that extend beyond the physical classroom. Securly Classroom is designed to provide continuity in online safety and management, regardless of a student’s location.
When students are at home, the challenges of distraction and inappropriate content access can be even greater. Securly Classroom, when deployed on school-issued devices or through a managed browser extension on personal devices (where permitted by policy), ensures that the same safety protocols and management tools are available. Teachers can monitor remote sessions, block distracting sites, and ensure learning remains on track, mirroring the in-classroom experience.
This is particularly important for maintaining curriculum continuity and ensuring all pupils, regardless of their home learning environment, have access to a safe and productive digital space. The reporting features also help identify students who might be disengaging or facing technical difficulties, allowing for timely intervention.
Implementation and Integration in UK Schools
Successfully integrating any new technology into a school environment requires careful planning and execution. Securly Classroom is engineered for straightforward deployment, aiming to minimise disruption to school IT operations.
Technical Requirements and Setup
Securly Classroom typically requires a cloud-based infrastructure, meaning there are minimal on-premises hardware requirements. It usually involves deploying a client application or agent onto student devices and integrating with the school’s existing network infrastructure, often via their internet proxy or DNS. Compatibility with common operating systems (Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, iOS) is standard.
The school’s IT department generally manags the setup process. It involves configuring the filtering policies, defining user groups (e.g., by year group or specific classes), and integrating with the school’s identity management system (like Active Directory or Google Workspace for Education) to simplify user authentication. According to Securly’s documentation as of early 2026, the process is designed to be managed remotely, simplifying deployment for multi-academy trusts (MATs) or schools with distributed campuses.
Training and Support for Educators
While the platform is user-friendly, effective utilisation depends on teacher confidence and training. Securly provides a range of support resources, including:
- Online tutorials and documentation.
- Webinar-based training sessions.
- Dedicated customer support channels.
Schools often supplement this with internal training sessions led by IT staff or digital learning coordinators. The goal is to ensure teachers understand not just how to use the tools, but why and when to use them most effectively for pedagogical benefit, rather than purely as a policing mechanism.
Cost and Licensing
Pricing for Securly Classroom is typically subscription-based, often per student, per year. Costs can vary depending on the number of devices, the specific feature set required, and the duration of the contract. As of May 2026, schools in the UK should expect pricing to be competitive within the educational technology market, with options for tiered features. Many local authorities and MATs negotiate bulk licenses, which can offer significant savings. It’s advisable for schools to obtain a bespoke quote based on their specific requirements.
When evaluating the cost, it’s essential to consider the total value proposition: the enhanced safety, improved focus, potential reduction in behaviour incidents related to device misuse, and the efficiency gains for teachers. A quote from Securly for a typical secondary school with 1,000 devices might range from £5 to £15 per device annually, depending on the contract length and bundled services, but this figure is illustrative and requires direct consultation.
Securly Classroom vs. Alternatives
The market for classroom management and online safety software is competitive. Several other solutions exist that offer similar functionalities. Understanding the differences can help schools make informed purchasing decisions.
Key Competitors
Some of the prominent alternatives to Securly Classroom include:
- LanSchool: A well-established player offering device monitoring, web filtering, and application control.
- NetSupport School: Provides extensive classroom management features, including screen monitoring, application launching, and instructional tools.
- GoGuardian: Popular in North America, it offers device management, content filtering, and analytics, often integrated with Google Workspace.
- Blocksi: Focuses on web filtering, classroom management, and Chromebook management.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Securly Classroom | LanSchool | NetSupport School |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real-time Student Monitoring | Yes (thumbnail view) | Yes (thumbnail view) | Yes (thumbnail view) |
| Content Filtering | strong, category-based | Yes | Yes |
| Device Control (Lock/Redirect) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Learning Support | Strong | Yes | Yes |
| Reporting & Analytics | Complete | Good | Detailed |
| Integration with Google Workspace | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ease of Use (Educator Interface) | High | Medium | Medium |
While many platforms share core features, Securly Classroom often stands out for its integrated approach to online safety and classroom management, particularly its strong focus on filtering and risk alerting. Its user interface is frequently cited as being particularly intuitive for teachers. LanSchool and NetSupport School are known for their depth in traditional classroom management functionalities, while GoGuardian and Blocksi are strong contenders, especially within specific ecosystems like ChromeOS.
Best Practices for Using Securly Classroom
To maximise the benefits of Securly Classroom, schools and educators should adopt a strategic approach:
1. Integrate with Educational Goals, Not Just Policing
The most effective use of Securly Classroom is when it supports learning objectives. Teachers should see it as a tool to guide lessons, ensure focus on educational content, and facilitate discussions, rather than solely as a means to monitor and punish. For example, using the ‘redirect’ feature to bring all students to a shared online resource during a lesson.
2. Prioritise Digital Citizenship Education
Securly Classroom’s reports can highlight concerning online behaviours. This data should feed into broader digital citizenship programmes. Instead of just blocking access, schools should use these insights to educate pupils about responsible online conduct, cyberbullying, critical evaluation of online information, and the importance of digital well-being.
The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) (2024) has highlighted the importance of explicit teaching of digital skills and online safety alongside technology use. Securly’s reports can provide real-world examples for classroom discussions.
3. Establish Clear Acceptable Use Policies (AUPs)
The effectiveness of filtering and monitoring tools hinges on clear, communicated AUPs. Students, parents, and staff should understand what is expected regarding device usage at school. Securly Classroom’s policies should be configured to align with these established guidelines.
4. Provide Ongoing Training and Support
Regular training for new staff and ongoing professional development for existing educators ensures that the tool is used to its full potential. Sharing best practices and success stories among staff can foster a culture of effective digital classroom management.
5. Review and Adapt Policies Regularly
The digital landscape and online threats evolve constantly. Schools should regularly review their filtering policies, reporting data, and AUPs to ensure they remain effective and relevant. This might involve adjusting block lists, updating filtering categories, or refining the approach to managing specific applications.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Despite its strengths, challenges can arise when implementing and using Securly Classroom.
Over-reliance on Monitoring Without Pedagogy
Problem: Teachers might use Securly Classroom purely to watch students, leading to a feeling of distrust and potentially stifling creativity or independent learning. The focus becomes policing rather than teaching.
Solution: Emphasise pedagogical integration. Train teachers to use features like screen locking or redirection as teaching aids, not just disciplinary tools. Frame it as supporting focus and engagement, linking directly to lesson objectives.
Privacy Concerns and Transparency
Problem: Students and parents may have concerns about extensive monitoring. Lack of transparency can breed resentment.
Solution: Be transparent. Clearly communicate the school’s AUP, the purpose of the monitoring (safety and focus), and what data is collected and why. Ensure compliance with GDPR and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) where applicable, though COPPA is US-centric, similar principles of data protection apply in the UK under the Data Protection Act 2018.
Technical Glitches and Network Issues
Problem: Like any software, Securly Classroom can experience occasional glitches, or network issues can impede its functionality.
Solution: Maintain a strong IT support system. Ensure devices are up-to-date, network infrastructure is strong, and have clear escalation paths for technical problems. Regular system health checks and prompt updates from Securly are also crucial.
Filtering Too Broadly or Too Narrowly
Problem: Overly strict filtering can block legitimate educational resources, while too-lenient filtering may allow access to inappropriate content.
Solution: Use a layered approach. Implement age-appropriate default filtering, but also empower teachers to create temporary exceptions for specific lessons. Regularly review filter logs and adjust settings based on observed needs and reported issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Securly Classroom monitor student devices?
Securly Classroom installs a lightweight agent on student devices. This agent communicates with the Securly cloud service, sending information about open browser tabs, active applications, and internet activity. Teachers can then view this information through a web-based dashboard.
Can Securly Classroom be used for students learning from home?
Yes, Securly Classroom is designed to manage devices both within the school network and remotely. When students are learning off-site on school-issued devices, the agent allows teachers to monitor and manage their activity, ensuring a consistent learning environment.
What happens if a website is blocked that a student needs for a lesson?
Teachers have the ability to create temporary exceptions or ‘allow lists’ for specific websites or applications within their classroom session or for their specific class. This ensures that legitimate educational resources are not inaccessible.
Is Securly Classroom compliant with UK data protection laws?
Securly states its commitment to data protection and privacy, adhering to regulations like the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018. Schools must ensure their own implementation and policies align with these regulations regarding lawful processing and transparency.
What kind of reporting does Securly Classroom provide?
It offers detailed reports on student web activity, application usage, search terms, and filtering events. These insights help identify trends, potential risks, and areas where digital citizenship education might be needed.
Can Securly Classroom be used on personal student devices (BYOD)?
While primarily designed for school-issued devices, Securly Classroom can often be deployed on personal devices through managed browser extensions or specific configurations, depending on the school’s BYOD policy and IT infrastructure. This requires careful consideration of privacy and policy alignment.
Conclusion
In 2026, effectively managing the digital classroom is no longer a luxury but a necessity for UK schools. Securly Classroom offers a complete, user-friendly solution that addresses critical needs for online safety, pupil focus, and efficient technology management. By providing educators with real-time insights and control, it empowers them to create a more secure and productive learning environment, both in school and during remote learning periods.
The most actionable takeaway for any UK school considering Securly Classroom is to conduct a thorough needs assessment. Align the platform’s capabilities with your specific safeguarding policies, curriculum goals, and IT infrastructure. Then, engage with Securly for a tailored demonstration and quote to see how it can best support your educational mission.
Last reviewed: May 2026. Information current as of publication; pricing and product details may change.
Editorial Note: This article was researched and written by the Class Room Center editorial team. We fact-check our content and update it regularly. For questions or corrections, contact us.
