Aon's 2026 Independent Schools Risk Report says cyber is the highest-ranked concern among participating Australian independent schools.
The report says this reflects schools' growing reliance on digital systems across teaching, administration, communications and finance.
Survey findings show one in four schools surveyed in 2026 reported experiencing a cyber incident, up from one in five in 2024.
In response, 76 per cent of schools report having documented preventative cyber measures in place, up from 66 per cent in 2024, highlighting a stronger focus on preparedness.
Lachlan Bowden, practice group leader of education for Australia at Aon, said the independent school sector is operating in an environment where risks are increasingly interconnected. Cyber security, workforce dynamics, mental health, regulatory change and financial sustainability are more closely linked and benefit from strong governance oversight and an integrated approach to risk management.