Helping schools meet today’s digital needs

The Department for Education (DfE) has announced a new round of funding for its Connect the Classroom programme – a government-backed initiative to help schools upgrade their wireless networks to meet modern standards.

With £25 million available for 2025–2026, this latest phase is more targeted, focusing on schools in need of improvement under the Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence (RISE) programme. For schools in eligible areas with underperforming networks, this is a valuable opportunity to access fully funded upgrades that can transform digital teaching and learning.

Computeam has already helped hundreds of schools secure and deliver this vital funding – and we’re here to support you again.

Register your interest in the 2025 DfE Connect the Classroom scheme

What is Connect the Classroom?

Connect the Classroom is a government-funded programme focused on improving internet speed and wireless infrastructure in schools. It provides eligible schools with funding to upgrade their Wi-Fi access points and network switches, in line with the DfE’s technical standards. This includes:

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Upgrading to the latest wireless standard approved by the Wi-Fi Alliance

Ensuring full Wi-Fi coverage across the school

Installing centralised management systems and network security

For 2025-26, £25 million has been allocated to support eligible schools in need of these upgrades.

Who can access the 2025 funding?

This year, the Connect the Classroom funding is targeted at schools currently receiving support through the Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence (RISE) programme. If your school is eligible, the DfE will contact you directly.

However, eligibility alone does not guarantee funding. Your school’s current network must also fall below the DfE’s minimum Wi-Fi standards. If you’re unsure, Computeam can help assess your existing infrastructure.

Why this matters for your school

A poor-quality network puts unnecessary strain on teachers, students, and IT teams. Connecting 30+ devices to a domestic-grade system is, at best, a frustrating experience – at worst, it can actively hinder learning outcomes.

Reliable, high-speed internet is no longer a luxury in education. It’s a necessity.

Computeam Connect is our fully-managed service that delivers networks designed specifically for the demands of schools. We only recommend solutions that meet the unique requirements of the classroom environment, and of course all of our solutions meet the DfE’s latest standards for WiFi and networking.

"Computeam proved to us that, despite some delays due to the global supply chain, they are the right partner for us having completed the works to a very high standard, and we are simply delighted with the end result. We have experienced a better connection in areas where our old Wi-Fi struggled due to the number of mobile devices we now have in school. A network we don't have to worry about for years to come. Computeam’s support has be impeccable throughout this process and beyond, and I cannot thank them enough."

- Business Manager, St Teresa of Lisieux Primary School

Our proven success with the programme

Computeam was a key delivery partner in the original Connect the Classroom pilot and subsequent funding rounds. Working with various procurement partners, we successfully delivered projects for schools and multi-academy trusts (MATs) across England.

From Plymouth to Liverpool and everywhere in between, we’ve helped schools meet DfE criteria and implement secure, stable and future-proof Wi-Fi 6 networks. As Aruba Partners, we’re trusted by schools and recognised by the DfE for delivering quality and compliance.

How we’ll support you through the 2025 scheme

If you’re contacted by the DfE as part of the RISE initiative, your school will need to gather three compliant quotes from education technology suppliers.

That’s where Computeam steps in.

You can either manage the procurement process yourself or work with a procurement framework, who will:

Source three quotes from approved providers
Vet and compare each solution
Recommend the best fit for your school

We can help direct you to a suitable framework provider and in every case we can provide a compliant proposal to get things moving as quickly as possible.

This service is completely free to your school and takes the stress out of procurement.

What to do next

If your school is in a RISE area and may be eligible, now is the time to act. The funding pot is limited, and high-quality suppliers will be in high demand. Computeam is ready to support both new and existing schools with the application and delivery process – but timing is key.

Register your interest in the 2025 DfE Connect the Classroom scheme

High-quality providers will likely be very busy delivering this year. To help us support you with your application or to get expert advice on getting the most from the available funding, confirm your interest using the form below. An account manager will be in touch straight away.