Connect the classroom

Overview

Connect the classroom is a funded programme to improve internet speed in schools. This is done by upgrading wifi access points and network switches.

Who can take part

Schools must be in:

• an education investment area and have an Ofsted rating of ‘requires improvement’ or ‘inadequate’
• a priority education investment area

We’ve contacted schools that meet these criteria.

Schools will get funding if we find that they fall below our wifi connectivity standards as part of our assessment. These standards include:

• using the latest wireless network standard approved by the Wi-Fi Alliance
• having a fully functional signal from your wireless network throughout the school or college buildings and externally where required
• having a solution that can centrally manage the wireless network
• installing security features to stop unauthorised access

Register your interest

Eligible schools should have already received an email from us.

Email ConnectTheClassroom.DfEICT@education.gov.uk if you think you’re eligible but you’ve not been contacted. Include your school name and URN in the email title. You can find your URN on Get information about schools.

Dates

The programme will run until 2025.

What’s involved

We’ll provide funding for a supplier to carry out IT improvement work in your school. This must meet our specifications.

We’ll send you an information pack, containing:

• requirements for the procurement
• advice on finding a suitable supplier

You’ll be responsible for procuring your own supplier. Share the information pack with suppliers you invite to bid for the work.

DfE IT advisers can help if you’re struggling to find a supplier.

Funding

£180 million funding is available in total.

Once you’ve completed your procurement, we’ll confirm:

• the amount of funding your school can get
• the terms and conditions for making a claim

We’ll reimburse you as soon as possible after you submit a claim. We’ll use existing payment methods.

We’ll provide a 5-year licence as a minimum to cover costs.

Contact

Email ConnectTheClassroom.DfEICT@education.gov.uk if you have any queries or wish to arrange a call with us.

We host webinars most Tuesdays at 2pm for schools taking part in the programme. We’ll email you with a link to this.