The Department for Education (DfE) has confirmed that Connect the Classroom funding will continue until 2030, with £325 million allocated to improve wifi and network infrastructure in eligible schools and colleges across England.
For many schools, reliable connectivity is no longer a luxury. Teaching, safeguarding, cloud-based applications, online assessments, MIS platforms and pupil devices all depend on a secure, high-performing wireless network. However, many school buildings still operate with ageing infrastructure that struggles to meet current demands.
The Connect the Classroom programme is designed to address these challenges by funding wifi upgrades that help schools meet the DfE’s digital and connectivity standards.
If your school qualifies, the funding could cover significant improvements to your wireless network, switching infrastructure and network security.
Talk to us about your eligibility →
What Is Connect the Classroom?
Connect the Classroom is a Department for Education programme that provides funding for schools whose network infrastructure does not meet current DfE connectivity standards.
Following the success of earlier phases, the programme has now been extended for the 2025-2030 financial years, building on more than £215 million already invested in school connectivity projects between 2021 and 2025.
The aim is simple: to ensure every eligible school has access to reliable, secure and centrally managed wifi that supports modern teaching and learning.
What Does Connect the Classroom Funding Cover?
Connect the Classroom funding supports upgrades to essential school network infrastructure, including:
- Wireless access points
- Network switches
- Network management platforms
- Network security improvements
- Infrastructure required to meet DfE wireless standards
The programme is designed to deliver:
Reliable School Wifi Coverage
Schools should have consistent wireless connectivity throughout teaching spaces, administrative areas and any external locations where connectivity is required.
Centrally Managed Wireless Networks
The DfE requires schools to have a centrally managed wifi solution, allowing IT teams and support providers to monitor, manage and troubleshoot the network from a single platform.
Improved Network Security
Funded solutions must include appropriate security controls to help prevent unauthorised access and support safer network operations.
Who Is Eligible for Connect the Classroom Funding?
Schools may be eligible if they meet one or more of the following criteria:
Schools Supported Through the RISE Programme
Schools receiving support through the Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence (RISE) programme are typically contacted directly by the Department for Education regarding eligibility.
Schools Located in Education Investment Areas
Schools located within Education Investment Areas (EIAs), particularly those with an Ofsted rating of Requires Improvement or Inadequate, may also qualify for funding.
If you believe your school may be eligible but have not received communication from the DfE, it is worth checking. Invitations and eligibility notifications can occasionally be overlooked or filtered into spam folders.
Not sure where you stand? We can help you check. Get in touch →
How Do Schools Apply for Connect the Classroom Funding?
The process generally follows these stages:
1. Eligibility Confirmation
The Department for Education confirms that your school is eligible and provides guidance on the next steps.
2. Network Asset Assessment
Schools complete a Network Asset Form, providing details about their existing wifi, switching and cabling infrastructure.
3. Funding Approval
The DfE reviews the submitted information and confirms the available funding.
4. Supplier Procurement
Schools appoint a supplier capable of delivering a solution that meets DfE technical specifications.
5. Installation and Project Completion
Once approved, the network upgrade is delivered, tested and signed off in line with programme requirements.
What Are the Benefits of Connect the Classroom Funding?
Schools that receive funding can benefit from:
- Faster and more reliable wifi
- Improved digital learning experiences
- Better support for cloud-based applications
- Enhanced network security
- Reduced connectivity issues for staff and pupils
- Infrastructure that aligns with DfE standards
- Improved support for safeguarding and online learning tools
Strong connectivity also helps schools prepare for future technology initiatives and increasing device usage across the campus.
Why Choose Switchshop for Your Connect the Classroom Project?
Switchshop is a DfE-approved supplier and has supported schools through earlier phases of Connect the Classroom. We understand both the technical requirements of DfE’s WiFi 7 specification and the practical realities of running a network upgrade in a live school environment.
We have delivered Connect the Classroom and school connectivity projects for trusts including Harbour Learning Trust, helping their sites move from below-standard wifi to fully managed, DfE-compliant networks with minimal disruption to the school day.
We will not tell a school it is eligible before we know that to be true. What we can do is help schools to:
- Understand whether their current network is likely to meet DfE standards
- Complete the Network Asset Form and navigate procurement requirements
- Design a wifi 6 network solution that meets DfE specification
- Deliver installation with minimal disruption to staff and pupils
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Connect the Classroom funding?
Connect the Classroom is a Department for Education programme that provides funding for wifi and network infrastructure improvements in eligible schools across England.
How much funding is available?
The DfE has allocated £325 million for Connect the Classroom projects between 2025 and 2030.
What can Connect the Classroom funding be used for?
Funding can be used for wireless access points, network switches, centrally managed wifi solutions and related infrastructure improvements required to meet DfE standards.
Does Connect the Classroom cover Wifi 6 upgrades?
In many cases, funded projects include modern wireless infrastructure such as Wifi 6 access points where required to meet programme specifications.
How do I know if my school is eligible?
Eligibility is determined by the Department for Education. Schools involved in the RISE programme or located within Education Investment Areas may qualify.
Can Switchshop help with Connect the Classroom funding?
Yes. Switchshop can help schools understand the programme requirements, assess existing infrastructure and deliver compliant network upgrades where funding has been approved.
