The Department for Education has relaunched Connect the Classroom, boosting total investment to £45 million for 2025-2026. Comprising £25 million for school Wi-Fi and £20 million for fibre upgrades in under-served areas. This is a major opportunity for schools with ageing or underperforming network infrastructure to secure fully funded upgrades. NOVUS is here to support you.
Why This Matters
Many schools will lack reliable connectivity
- Only 63% of schools reported full Wi-Fi coverage as of 2023
- Gaps in coverage hinder learning and impede effective use of digital platforms like Microsoft 365 and Google Classroom
- Good connectivity can accelerate student outcomes by 2-5 months
This refresh in funding aligns with the DfE’s long-term goal: to meet six core digital standards by 2030, from broadband and Wi-Fi to filtering and cybersecurity.
Who Can Access the Funding
The programme primarily targets RISE (Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence) schools, which will automatically qualify for funding if their network falls below DfE digital benchmarks. However, it’s not restricted solely to RISE schools. Any school whose current Wi-Fi setup fails to meet the DfE’s six core standards, including coverage, security, managed switches, and filtering, may be invited to participate. Importantly, this funding is national, not postcode limited. Even if your school hasn’t been contacted, you could still qualify.
Why You Should Act Quickly
Although schools have received DfE invitations, several factors make early engagement critical. First, the funding pot is finite, and high demands means it may be exhausted quickly. Next, preparing compliant quotes from accredited suppliers and running procurement processes can take weeks. Finally, there are two application windows, one at the outset and another later in the year, so early action helps secure your place. If you’re unsure whether you’ve been contacted, considering a pre-emptive approach could give your school a decisive edge.
What the Funding Covers
What the funding can cover
- Wi-Fi 6/7 access points with 2.5 Gbps-capable radios
- PoE+ switches and Cat6a structured cabling
- Centrally managed network controller
- Fibre upgrades where the DfE identifies connectivity gaps
- Installation, system testing, documentation, and support included
What Schools Experience
Following the upgrade, schools benefit from far more than just fast internet. Expect seamless device coverage in classrooms, corridors, and outdoor areas if needed. Teachers and students gain instant access to cloud services and educational platforms. Centralised network management makes life easier for IT staff. Enhanced security safeguards sensitive data and supports compliance with safeguarding requirements.
Essentially, this is an upgrade that support teaching excellence and strategic growth.
Why Partner with NOVUS
Our track record and process speak volumes. We’ve guided schools through previous Connect the Classroom phases, helping many secure their funding with minimal complexity. Our framework accreditations, vendor-neutral stance, and single-point accountability, from audit to ongoing support, make us a trusted partner.
Most importantly, our teams embed security, compliance, and usability into every project.
