DfE Connect the Classroom: what schools need to know about the funding
The government-funded Department for Education Connect the Classroom initiative aims to future-proof and improve internet speeds in schools by upgrading wireless access points and network switches. The programme has been extended and is set to continue until 2025, with £250 million of funding available.
Is your school eligible?
To qualify for funding, a school must currently fall below the WiFi connectivity specifications set out by the DfE and WiFi Alliance:
- Latest wireless standards — the school must use WiFi 6 (802.11ax) technology, supporting Quality of Service (QoS) and network segregation.
- Centrally managed solution — a WiFi solution that is centrally managed, scalable, and provides active signal management with network monitoring.
- Fully functional signal — a fully functional wireless network signal across the whole school campus.
- Secure network — a secure WiFi network that prevents unauthorised access and segregates staff, pupil and guest access, using access control lists, wireless intrusion protection and multi-factor authentication.
On top of the technical criteria, the school must sit in an Education Investment Area (EIA) rated by Ofsted as requiring improvement or inadequate, or in a Priority Education Investment Area (PEIA) as identified in the 2022 schools white paper.
Education Investment Areas include Bedford, Blackpool, Bolton, Bradford, Bury, Cambridgeshire, Central Bedfordshire, Cornwall, County Durham, Coventry, Darlington, Derby, Derbyshire, Doncaster, Dorset, Dudley, East Sussex, Halton, Hartlepool, Isle of Wight, Kirklees, Knowsley, Leeds, Lincolnshire, Liverpool, Luton, Manchester, Middlesbrough, Norfolk, North Northamptonshire, North Somerset, North Yorkshire, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, Oldham, Peterborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Rochdale, Rotherham, Salford, Sandwell, Sefton, Somerset, South Gloucestershire, South Tyneside, St Helens, Stoke-on-Trent, Suffolk, Sunderland, Swindon, Tameside, Wakefield, Walsall and the Wirral.
Priority Education Investment Areas include Blackpool, Bradford, Derby, Doncaster, Fenlands and East Cambridgeshire, Halton, Hartlepool, Hastings, Ipswich, Knowsley, Liverpool, Middlesbrough, Norwich, Nottingham, Oldham, Portsmouth, Rochdale, Salford, Sandwell, Scarborough, Stoke-on-Trent, Tameside, Walsall and West Somerset.
How Stream Networks can help
Stream offers a comprehensive managed wireless networking solution designed to elevate your school's wireless infrastructure and improve the experience for staff and pupils alike.
Best-in-class WiFi vendors
We've partnered with leading WiFi vendors including Aruba, Juniper and Cambium to deliver the most up-to-date cloud-based wireless infrastructure available.
DfE-approved Everything ICT Framework
Our ICT infrastructure and IT support services are available through the DfE-approved ICT procurement framework, guaranteeing schools excellent value and a reliable procurement route.
Project management, start to finish
Our project management and technical teams handle WiFi site surveys and delivery, ensuring your new infrastructure is secure, on time, and provides high-speed access across the whole campus.
ISO 27001 & ISO 9001 certified
Stream holds ISO 27001 and ISO 9001 certification, reflecting our commitment to information security and quality of delivery.
Want to find out if your school qualifies for Connect the Classroom funding?
Call 01635 884 170 for a free WiFi survey