Overview

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

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Schools bywill DfEget and receive funding if they fall below our our wifi connectivity standards, which we determine 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 a 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 already have 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 unique reference number (URN) in the email title. You can find your URN on Get information about schools.

What’s involved

We’ll provide funding for a supplier to carry out IT improvement work in schools.your Schoolsschool. willYou’ll be responsible for procuring thieryour own supplier and their work must meet our specifications.

We’ll send you an information pack containing:

• procurement requirements
• advice on finding a suitable supplier

Share the information pack with the suppliers you invite to bid for the work.

Department for Education (DfE) IT advisers can help if you’re struggling to find a supplier.

Funding

£25£200 million of funding is available in totaltotal.

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

• the 2025amount toof 2026funding financialyour yearschool followingcan get
• the £215terms millionand investmentconditions betweenfor 2021making anda 2025.
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