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.
This phase of the programme is part of a wider £325 million investment running to 2030, following £215 million already committed since 2021, and remains targeted at 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.
Not eligible for funding this round? The DfE's connectivity standards still apply either way – schools and colleges are expected to meet them by 2030. Computeam Compass shows you exactly where your network stands against the DfE's digital and technology standards, so you know what to prioritise, whether funding is available to you this year or not.
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:
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
£325 million is available across 2025 to 2030 to support eligible schools with these upgrades, following £215 million already committed since 2021. Computeam Compass tracks all three of these against the DfE's live requirements, plus the other DfE digital and technology standards beyond wireless so you're not relying on a one-off check.
Who can access the funding?
This phase of 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 — schools cannot apply.
Eligibility alone doesn't guarantee funding. Your school's current network must also fall below the DfE's minimum wireless standards. If you're not sure where you stand, Computeam Compass gives you a clear read against every DfE connectivity standard, not just wireless — so you'll know before the DfE tells you.
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 Compass tracks your progress against these standards over time, so it's not a one-off conversation, you've got a running record to show governors, trustees, or anyone else who asks for it.
Start your 30-day Compass demo login
Whether you're waiting to hear from the DfE or getting ahead of the standards on your own, Compass gives you the same evidence base either way. Confirm your details below and an account manager will set up your 30-day demo login straight away and if you'd also like support with a Connect the Classroom application, just say so in the message field.
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