Find and fix the hidden bottlenecks in your network

Cabling can be easy to ignore because it is out of sight, but it affects everything you can see – lesson performance, Wi-Fi reliability, and the stability of core systems. When faults appear, they can be time-consuming to trace and expensive to resolve without a clear picture of what is installed, what has been tested, and what is covered by warranty.

44% of IT leads reported Category 5E or lower as their main type of network cabling. The DfE network cabling standard sets expectations for modern cabling, safe installation, documented testing and warranties, so schools and trusts can plan upgrades with confidence.

Computeam Compass helps you compare your cabling position to the digital and technology standard, assign actions, and keep a clear record of surveys, test results, warranties and improvements.

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44% of IT leads report Category 5E or lower as their main network cabling.

Source: Technology in schools survey: 2024 to 2025 – Research report (Department for Education, carried out by IFF Research, published Nov 2025)

What you need to put in place for safe, future-ready cabling

The DfE network cabling standard sets expectations for the type, quality and installation of cabling in schools and colleges. It highlights copper cabling and optical fibre, along with associated components such as patch panels and patch leads. The aim is to ensure that the cabling infrastructure can support high-speed networking, modern wireless solutions and future upgrades, while remaining safe, reliable and maintainable.

The guidance emphasises the use of appropriate cable categories and fibre specifications, correct installation to British Standards, fire safety considerations, physical protection and documented testing. It also recognises the role of accredited installers and manufacturer warranties in giving schools long-term assurance over the performance of their cabling.

At a glance, this digital and technology standard covers:

Using suitable copper cabling, such as Cat 6A, as a minimum for new installations

Installing appropriate optical fibre, such as OM4, between key locations and buildings

Ensuring patch leads and patch panels match the standard of the fixed cabling

Following recognised installation and fire safety standards with accredited contractors

Securing manufacturer warranties and documented test results for future reference

Improve reliability now and avoid expensive surprises later

Even the best broadband connection and switching equipment will struggle if the underlying cabling is outdated, poorly installed or damaged. Slow connections, intermittent faults and unexplained wireless issues are often traced back to legacy cabling that was never designed for current levels of digital use. When cabling falls short, teachers notice delays, online tools become unreliable and staff confidence in technology drops.

There are important safety and compliance aspects as well. Cabling routes need to meet fire regulations and be installed in a way that does not create hazards in teaching or circulation spaces. Unlabelled or undocumented cabling can make it harder to respond to incidents or carry out maintenance safely. The DfE digital and technology standard encourages schools to think about cabling as part of their long-term digital strategy rather than as a series of isolated jobs.

For multi-academy trusts, a clear view of cabling standards across sites helps with planning upgrades, rolling out new services and managing risk. Trust-wide projects such as cloud adoption or major wireless refreshes are easier to deliver when everyone understands the capabilities and limitations of existing cabling.

How Compass helps you track surveys, testing and warranties

Computeam Compass turns the DfE network cabling standard into a clear framework that both technical and non-technical leaders can understand. It helps you move towards a structured overview of your cabling estate and its alignment with the digital and technology standard.

Make the expectations visible

Compass presents the key cabling requirements in a systematic and orderly format. Schools can record which cable types are in use, where fibre links run, how patching is arranged and which areas have been upgraded to modern standards. This creates a single view for SLT, IT staff and governors.

Assign ownership and track actions

When gaps are identified – such as areas that still rely on older cabling, missing documentation or expiring warranties – Compass allows you to create actions with named owners and target dates. Tasks might include commissioning a cabling survey, planning a phased replacement or consolidating test results in one place. Progress is visible to the relevant teams, which helps keep infrastructure work aligned with wider digital plans.

Keep a secure, auditable record

Compass provides a secure record of cabling-related documents and decisions. You can store survey reports, installation certificates, test results, warranties, route diagrams and review notes alongside the relevant digital and technology standard. Each update is time-stamped, which helps you demonstrate how cabling has been improved over time and how risks are being managed.

Give MAT leaders a trust-wide view

For multi-academy trusts, Compass brings together cabling information from multiple schools. Central IT or estates teams can see where modern cabling is already in place, where legacy infrastructure remains and how that aligns with planned upgrades to broadband, switching or wireless. This supports better sequencing of projects, more efficient procurement and targeted support for schools that may need priority investment.

Your next steps

If you are reviewing your network cabling against the DfE digital and technology standard, Computeam Compass can provide structure and shared visibility. It helps you capture what is in place now, highlight areas where cabling needs attention and record the actions you are taking to improve performance, safety and future-readiness.