Connect the Classroom
Connect the Classroom
DfE funding for wi-fi upgrades
Eligible schools can now get direct financial support from the DfE to modernise their wireless networks. If this includes your school, Softcat is ideally placed to help make sure Connect the Classroom delivers the biggest positive impact on your learning environment and outcomes.
Ready to start?
So are we
Already been contacted by the DfE about Connect the Classroom? Speak to your Softcat Account Manager and find out how we can support you at every step in your project, and help you achieve a great end result.
WHAT IS CONNECT THE CLASSROOM?
Updated in March 2022, Connect the Classroom will invest £150m in modern wireless and LAN networks for eligible schools over three years. Because it gives these schools extra funding on top of their regular budgets, it will enable them to benefit from fast modern Wi-Fi connectivity which may otherwise be unaffordable.
WHAT'S THE PURPOSE OF THE SCHEME?
Schools increasingly use mobile digital devices as core educational tools. But many school networks simply weren’t designed to support such a large number of mobile devices, leading to poor user experiences for pupils and teachers.
Connect the Classroom will enable schools to put in place a fit-for-purpose wireless network solution that’s faster, more reliable, and meets the needs of digital learners and educators.
WHICH SCHOOLS ARE ELIGIBLE?
Identified from the 55 Education Investment Areas, the scheme focuses on all the schools in the 24 Priority Areas and covers over 2,700 schools.
Eligible schools will be contacted directly by the DfE, or via their responsible body (Local Authority, Trust, or Multi Academy Trust). Connect the Classroom will roll out in different areas over a three-year period. The scheme is already underway, so if you have yet to be contacted, and your school is eligible, the DfE or your responsible body will be in touch.
SIMPLIFYING PROCUREMENT
With its direct award capability, the KCS IT Hardware framework makes procurement quick and easy for Connect the Classroom eligible schools. Compliant with Public Contract Regulations 2015, the framework saves schools time and money.
Managed and monitored by KCS Procurement Services—which has been awarded DfE approved status —the framework is also free to access and supported by a qualified team of framework experts to give trusted advice.
In addition, KCS Procurement Services has already vetted the chosen suppliers through the tender evaluation process, giving schools peace of mind that Connect the Classroom will deliver full impact on their learning environments.
WHY SOFTCAT?
At Softcat, we put people before technology in everything we do. So, when we work with schools who qualify for Connect the Classroom funding, we focus on helping you create a tailored and personalised wireless network solution that’s as unique as your school.
We know first-hand that school IT budgets are exceptionally tight, and we’ve got lots of know-how in squeezing every last bit of value from available funding. This way, we can help make sure your fast new network helps bring learning journeys to life for years to come.
We'’'re specialists in both Aruba and Cisco Meraki networking technologies. So we can provide wired and wireless assessment services, design services, resale, implementation services and managed services that are a perfect fit with your existing network environment and preferred technologies. All with the convenience of a single expert supplier.
NEXT STEPS
Enrolment in the scheme is not automatic, so you will need to apply for Connect the Classroom funding if you are offered it. We welcome the opportunity to help you complete your application form, and to support you at every stage of your Connect the Classroom project.
For more information, please contact your Softcat Account Manager.
For more info on Softcat, visit our supplier page.