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DfE-funded school Wi-Fi programme

Connect the Classroom: Fully Funded Wi-Fi and Network Upgrades for Schools

Techcare Networks helps eligible schools claim their DfE Connect the Classroom funding and delivers DfE-compliant Wi-Fi 6, Cat 6A cabling, and network switch installations. From site survey to handover, we handle the lot.

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ISO 27001 Certified|ISO 9001 Certified|Cyber Essentials Plus|250+ Network Projects Completed

Programme overview

What Is the DfE Connect the Classroom Programme?

Connect the Classroom is a Department for Education (DfE) programme that provides 100% government funding to upgrade Wi-Fi networks in eligible schools across England. The programme covers the installation of enterprise-grade Wi-Fi access points, Cat 6A structured cabling, OM4 fibre optic backbone links, and multi-gigabit Power over Ethernet (PoE) edge switches. That covers everything a school needs for a modern, secure, high-performance network.

The DfE invested £215 million between 2021 and 2025, with a further £325 million committed for the 2025–2030 financial years. For the current 2025–2026 financial year, £25 million of funding is available. The programme is part of the DfE’s long-term goal for all schools in England to meet six core digital and technology standards by 2030.

Eligibility is determined by the DfE. Schools receiving targeted intervention through the RISE programme (Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence) whose current Wi-Fi falls below DfE connectivity standards are contacted directly by the Department. The DfE has also contacted some schools outside the RISE programme that fall below its connectivity standards. Schools cannot self-apply. The DfE reaches out by email or letter. Once contacted, the school is responsible for choosing a supplier, obtaining a DfE-compliant proposal, and submitting it to a DfE IT adviser for review before funding is released.

The DfE may announce additional selection criteria for future phases. Check the GOV.UK Connect the Classroom page for the latest updates.

Already received a letter or email from the DfE? You're in the right place. Get in touch and we'll guide you through every step, at no cost to your school.

What's included

What Does Connect the Classroom Fund?

Wi-Fi 6E / Wi-Fi 7 Access Points

  • Enterprise-grade wireless hardware meeting Wi-Fi Alliance standards
  • Full-coverage design: up to one AP per classroom, higher-density units in halls and shared spaces
  • Central management platform for monitoring, configuration, and alerts
  • Supports 1:1 device environments, cloud platforms, and digital learning tools

Cat 6A Structured Cabling

  • U/FTP Cat 6A copper cabling, 10 Gigabit capable
  • Installed to BS 6701, BS 50173, BS 50174
  • Fire rated to Euroclass Cca s1b.d2.a2
  • 25-year Excel manufacturer’s warranty (exceeds DfE’s 20-year minimum)
  • Every cable tested, certified, and documented

OM4 Fibre Optic Backbone

  • Minimum 16-core multi-mode OM4 fibre for inter-building and backbone links
  • Underground duct installation where possible
  • Redundant routes for critical systems
  • Supports current and future bandwidth demands across your campus

Multi-Gigabit PoE Edge Switches

  • 2.5Gbps / 5Gbps / 10Gbps interfaces
  • Power over Ethernet for access points
  • 5-year manufacturer warranty
  • Central management and monitoring

Why Techcare

Why Schools Choose Techcare Networks for Connect the Classroom

Security built in, not bolted on

We’re part of Techcare Group, an ISO 27001-certified cyber security managed services provider. The DfE’s wireless standards require VLANs, WPA3, certificate-based authentication, MFA for admin access and wireless intrusion protection. These aren’t afterthoughts for us. They’re our core expertise. Your school network is designed to protect sensitive pupil data from day one.

Our own engineers, not subcontractors

Unlike large IT resellers who outsource the physical installation, our own DBS-checked, ECS-accredited, CHAS-compliant engineers do the work. You know exactly who is on your site, and there’s a single point of accountability for quality.

DfE specification experts

We know the DfE’s six digital standards inside out. Every proposal we produce is formatted to DfE requirements and designed to pass the DfE IT adviser’s review first time. No delays, no back-and-forth.

Multi-Academy Trust specialists

Managing multiple schools? We deliver standardised infrastructure across every site in your trust. Same specification, same hardware, same quality. One project manager, consistent documentation. We’ve completed 250+ network projects across diverse environments.

Zero disruption to learning

Installations are scheduled around your school calendar: half-terms, holidays, evenings, weekends. We leave your site clean and tidy. Our Project Manager coordinates directly with your site team so your pupils and staff aren’t affected.

25-year warranty, not just 20

The DfE requires a minimum 20-year cabling warranty. We go further. Our Excel-partnered installations come with a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty. That’s an extra five years of guaranteed performance.

Step by step

How Does Connect the Classroom Work? A Step-by-Step Guide

From the DfE contacting your school to your new network going live, here’s how the process works.

01

The DfE contacts your school

Schools in the RISE programme whose Wi-Fi falls below DfE connectivity standards are contacted directly by the Department for Education. The DfE has also contacted some schools outside the RISE programme that fall below its connectivity standards. You’ll receive an email or letter confirming your eligibility. Check with your school leadership team and keep an eye on spam folders. DfE emails sometimes get filtered.

02

We carry out a free site survey

Get in touch with Techcare Networks and we’ll arrange a free, no-obligation site survey. Our engineers assess your current network, carry out wireless heat mapping, and design a solution tailored to your school’s layout and requirements.

03

We produce a DfE-compliant proposal

We prepare a detailed proposal that meets the DfE’s technical specification and cost matrix requirements. This covers equipment selection, cabling design, network security configuration and project timeline, all formatted for DfE review.

04

DfE approval

Your school submits the proposal to your assigned DfE IT adviser for review. We liaise directly with the DfE if any technical queries come up, so there are no delays or back-and-forth.

05

Installation

Once approved, our DBS-checked, ECS-accredited engineers install your new Wi-Fi access points, Cat 6A cabling, OM4 fibre backbone, and edge switches. All work is scheduled around your school calendar to avoid any disruption to teaching.

06

Testing, certification, and handover

Every cable is tested and certified. You receive a full documentation pack: test reports, network diagrams, configuration records and equipment warranties. We provide staff training on the central management platform. Your school is live.

Technical specification

DfE Digital and Technology Standards for School Networks

Every Connect the Classroom installation must meet the DfE’s published digital and technology standards. Here is what those standards require, and what we deliver.

Wireless Network Standards

  • Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) / Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), latest Wi-Fi Alliance approved standard
  • Full-coverage wireless signal throughout all school buildings and externally where required
  • Wireless heat mapping and density planning, up to one AP per classroom
  • Central management platform: monitoring, configuration, alerts, firmware updates
  • Network segregation via VLANs and QoS
  • WPA3 authentication
  • Certificate-based authentication (802.1X/RADIUS)
  • MFA for privileged/admin access
  • Wireless intrusion protection (WIPs)
  • Secure segregated guest access
  • ACLs (Access Control Lists)

Network Cabling Standards

  • Cat 6A U/FTP copper cabling (10 Gigabit capable)
  • Permanent link max 90 metres, no intermediate splices
  • Compliant with BS 6701, BS 50173, BS 50174
  • Fire rated: Euroclass Cca s1b.d2.a2
  • Patch leads same type/standard/manufacturer as installed cable
  • OM4 16-core multi-mode fibre for inter-building links
  • Underground duct installation where possible
  • Redundant fibre routes for critical systems
  • Full test reports (permanent link and channel) for every cable run
  • Manufacturer-approved installation partner
  • 25-year Excel manufacturer’s performance warranty (exceeds DfE’s 20-year minimum)

Network Switching Standards

  • Multi-gigabit PoE switches (2.5G / 5G / 10G interfaces)
  • 5-year manufacturer warranty
  • Central management and monitoring
  • Support for VLAN configuration and QoS

Eligibility

Is Your School Eligible for Connect the Classroom Funding?

Your school may be eligible for Connect the Classroom funding if:

  • Your school is part of the DfE’s RISE programme (Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence)
  • You have been contacted directly by the DfE about Connect the Classroom
  • Your current Wi-Fi network does not meet the DfE’s minimum connectivity standards

Not sure if you've been contacted? Check with your headteacher, school business manager, or local authority. DfE emails sometimes end up in spam folders.

Not eligible for Connect the Classroom? We still deliver DfE-standard-compliant network installations for schools funding through their own budget, Devolved Formula Capital (DFC), or Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) bids. Get in touch and we can help you plan a cost-effective upgrade.

Common questions

Connect the Classroom: Frequently Asked Questions

What is Connect the Classroom?

Connect the Classroom is a Department for Education (DfE) programme that provides 100% government funding to upgrade Wi-Fi networks in eligible schools across England. The programme funds the installation of Wi-Fi 6E/7 access points, Cat 6A structured cabling, OM4 fibre optic backbone links, and multi-gigabit PoE edge switches. The DfE invested £215 million between 2021 and 2025, with a further £325 million committed for the 2025–2030 financial years.

Is Connect the Classroom funding really free for schools?

Yes. The DfE covers the full cost of the network upgrade for eligible schools. Schools procure their own supplier and submit an invoice to the DfE, which pays the responsible body (local authority or trust), who then pays the supplier. There is no cost to the school.

How do I know if my school is eligible for Connect the Classroom?

Eligible schools are those receiving targeted intervention through the DfE’s RISE programme (Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence) whose current Wi-Fi falls below DfE connectivity standards. The DfE has also contacted some schools outside the RISE programme that fall below its connectivity standards. Schools cannot self-apply. The DfE contacts eligible schools directly by email or letter. If you’re unsure whether you’ve been contacted, check with your headteacher or school business manager, and check spam folders.

What does Connect the Classroom fund?

The programme funds Wi-Fi access points (Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7), network edge switches (multi-gigabit, PoE, 5-year warranty), and associated cabling (Cat 6A copper and OM4 fibre optic). All equipment must meet the DfE’s published digital and technology standards.

What are the DfE’s Wi-Fi standards for schools?

The DfE requires schools to use the latest Wi-Fi Alliance approved standard (Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7), provide full wireless coverage throughout all school buildings, have a central management platform, and implement security features including WPA3 authentication, VLANs, certificate-based authentication (802.1X/RADIUS), MFA for admin access, and wireless intrusion protection. Schools should meet these standards by 2030.

What cabling does Connect the Classroom require?

The DfE requires Cat 6A (Category 6A) U/FTP copper cabling for runs up to 90 metres, and OM4 16-core multi-mode fibre optic cabling for inter-building backbone links. All cabling must be installed to BS 6701, BS 50173, and BS 50174 standards, fire rated to Euroclass Cca s1b.d2.a2, tested with full certification reports, and backed by a minimum 20-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Will the installation disrupt lessons?

No. We schedule all installation work around your school calendar: half-terms, holidays, evenings and weekends. Our DBS-checked engineers are experienced in school environments and coordinate directly with your site team. Schools consistently report zero disruption to teaching and learning.

Do you work with Multi-Academy Trusts?

Yes. We work with MATs to deliver consistent, standardised network infrastructure across all academies in a trust. One specification, one project manager, standardised hardware and configuration, and unified documentation across every site. We have completed over 250 network projects across diverse environments.

How long does a Connect the Classroom installation take?

A typical single-school installation takes 1–2 weeks, depending on the size and complexity of the site. For Multi-Academy Trusts with multiple sites, we produce a phased programme coordinated around your school calendars. We provide a clear timeline during the site survey stage.

What support do you provide after installation?

Your cabling comes with a 25-year Excel manufacturer’s warranty. Switches carry a 5-year manufacturer warranty. You get a full handover pack: test reports, network diagrams, configuration records, and staff training on the management platform. We also offer optional ongoing managed network support for schools that want hands-off monitoring and maintenance.

What if my school isn’t eligible for Connect the Classroom?

We still provide DfE-standard-compliant Wi-Fi and cabling installations for schools outside the programme. We can help you plan an upgrade funded through your own budget, Devolved Formula Capital (DFC), or Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) bids. Contact us for a no-obligation conversation.

Do you only work in the West Midlands?

No. We’re based in Cannock, Staffordshire, central to the West Midlands, but we deliver network installations for schools across England.

Get started

Book Your Free Connect the Classroom Site Survey

Whether you've already been contacted by the DfE or you want to check your eligibility, get in touch. We'll guide you through the entire process. No cost, no obligation.

Free, no-obligation site survey and wireless heat mapping

DfE-compliant proposal prepared for IT adviser review

Installation scheduled around your school calendar

Full documentation and handover pack included

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