DfE Connect the Classroom Scheme

With ongoing government investment in digital education, the Connect the Classroom scheme continues to provide eligible UK schools with funding to upgrade their WiFi infrastructure, improve coverage, and boost overall network performance. The programme remains a key part of the government’s commitment to reducing the digital divide and ensuring every student can benefit from fast, reliable internet access.

Secure DfE Connect the Classroom funding and enhance your school’s digital learning environment.

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The Process

Easy Step-by-Step Guide

 

The Process

Easy step-by-step guide

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Schools & Colleges we have helped

We’ll design a network that guarantees complete WiFi coverage and connectivity

 

Schools & Colleges we have helped

We’ll design a network that guarantees complete WiFi coverage and connectivity

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Register your interest

Complete the form and one of our expert team will be in touch

Register your interest

Complete the form and one of our expert team will be in touch

Trusted by Schools & Colleges

DfE Connect the Classroom Scheme

Book a WiFi Survey

The Department for Education highlights the importance of meeting core digital and network standards. Through Connect the Classroom, eligible schools can access funding to upgrade WiFi and IT infrastructure, ensuring secure, resilient networks for modern learning.

Redway Networks specialises in education-focused networking, designing wired and wireless networks that meet DfE standards. From primary schools with 20 access points to secondary schools with 200+, we deliver robust, future-ready networks to support online learning, cloud platforms, and growing device use.

What is Connect the Classroom?

For schools, Connect the Classroom can help create a more reliable and secure digital environment for teaching and learning.

Schedule a call with our Connect the Classroom expert

Your Reliable and Scalable Network Service Provider

At Redway Networks, we specialise in network services tailored to your business needs.

From initial design to installation and ongoing support, we’re here to ensure your network is always performing at its best.

Our expert team ensures your network infrastructure evolves with your business, supporting growth without compromising security or performance.

How does the Connect the Classroom scheme work?

Eligibility

The DfE will contact you via email if you are eligible for Connect the Classroom funding. We can help you through the application process.

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Connect the Classroom proposal & design

Our engineers work closely with you to create a solution that matches your school's requirements and preferred vendor choice, while ensuring full compliance with the Connect the Classroom specification and budget allocation

  • Tailored design
  • Your vendor choice
  • Maintain DfE compliance
Application Support

Application Support

Redway provides practical support to help schools complete the Connect the Classroom application process with confidence.

We provide:

  • Full site surveys to validate the design and support successful deployment
  • A dedicated contact to help with DfE documentation
  • A full network design tailored for DfE
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Funding & Procurement

Once your application has been approved, you can purchase the order directly or through the approved framework, EverythingICT. Depending on the school's purchasing requirements.

  • Direct purchase option
  • Framework Option (EverythingICT)
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Installation

Our in-house team of specialised network engineers deliver the project from installation through to testing and handover.

This includes:

  • Project delivery
  • Network testing
  • Handover & training
  • Post-install support

We make sure your school has the support needed to get the most from its new network.

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Not Eligible for Connect the Classroom Funding?

Not every school will qualify for Connect the Classroom funding, but that does not mean you cannot improve your network. If your school is not eligible, our team can still help you explore alternative options for upgrading your WiFi and IT infrastructure.

Connect the Classroom

Classroom WiFi Upgrades Through Connect the Classroom

The Connec the Classroom scheme helps schools improve classroom WiFi by upgradiing network infrastructure to meet modern digital standards. This supports reliable connectivity for staff and students and enables the effective use of devises in lessons.

Funding can be used to improve key areas such as:

  • Coverage: Consistent WiFi across classrooms and shared spaces
  • Capacity: Supporting high device usage without performance issues
  • Access Points: Upgrading or installing modern hardware for better speed and reliability

These improvements create a more stable network to support digital learning and future demands.

For more information, visit our education WiFi Services




 

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Read What Schools Think About Us

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Chorus Education Trust

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“Thanks to DfE’s Connect the Classroom Programme, we secured funding to support this vital initiative and we were recommended to Redway Networks who designed and installed high-performance, upgraded networks for two of our schools.”  

Richard Clough, IT Director, Chorus Education Trust

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Dinnington High School

 

Dinington

 

“Following a grant through DfE’s Connect the Classroom programme we chose Redway Networks to replace our outdated IT infrastructure at Dinnington School with a high-quality cloud-managed network and resilient fibre-optic communications backbone. Redway Networks delivered a great service and we now have the foundation for future-ready learning.” 

Richard Wheatcroft, CFO & Principal Business Manager, LEAP Education Trust

3

Leverhulme Education Trust

 

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“Having secured a DfE grant through the Connect the Classroom scheme, I reached out to Redway Networks to  conduct technical WiFi surveys that demonstrated the performance gaps with our legacy networks and enabled us to secure funding for the design and installation of new high-performance WLANS which have been transformative.”

Richard Pycroft, ICT Manager, Leverhulme Education Trust

4

Anthem Schools Trust

 

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“One of the biggest impacts Redway Networks had was helping us with our  Connect the Classroom project at Deepings School. CtC is such a time-consuming task for everyone within the trust, so having the support from Redway Networks was extremely beneficial.”

Ross Weeks, Head of IT & Digital Strategy, Anthem Schools Trust

Our Certifications

 

Contact us to see if your school is eligible 01908 046400

 

  • Benefit from future-proofed WiFi and networking solutions using world leading products  from our

  • Our technology partners

Connect The Classroom

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the DFE Connect the Classroom Scheme?

The Department for Education’s Connect the Classroom programme offers financial support to qualifying schools in England to improve their wireless and network set-up. 

The funding helps schools reach current digital requirements by delivering quicker and more stable internet connections, wider coverage across buildings and outdoor spaces, centrally managed systems, and stronger network security.

It is primarily designed for schools that do not yet meet minimum connectivity standards, particularly those in Education Investment Areas or receiving additional support, and can be used to cover upgrades such as improved cabling and new Wi-Fi access points.

What schools are eligible for Connect the Classroom?

Schools currently receiving targeted intervention through the Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence (RISE) programme are eligible for Connect the Classroom funding.

Eligible schools will be contacted directly by the Department for Education (DfE) and will receive funding if they do not meet the required Wi-Fi connectivity standards.

These standards include:

  • Using the latest wireless network standard approved by the Wi-Fi Alliance
  • Having a fully functional wireless signal throughout all school or college buildings, and externally where required
  • Having a centrally managed wireless network solution
  • Installing security features to prevent unauthorised access

What are the benefits of updating your school's network?

Benefits of updating your school’s network include:

 

  • Improved reliability and performance: Faster, more stable Wi-Fi reduces dropouts and buffering, keeping lessons running smoothly without disruption.
  • Better support for digital learning: A modern network can handle multiple devices, online platforms, and cloud-based tools to support digital learning.
  • Enhanced safeguarding and security: Updated networks include stronger security controls to protect pupil data and prevent unauthorised access.
  • Future-proofing your school: Modern infrastructure is better equipped to support new technologies, software updates, and growing digital demands.
  • Greater coverage: Consistent connectivity throughout classrooms, halls, and outdoor learning areas.

How does Redway make it easy to access Connect the Classroom funding?

Redway Networks supports schools at every stage of the DfE Connect the Classroom journey. We help confirm eligibility, design a compliant solution, and deliver reliable WiFi and network upgrades—removing complexity and ensuring a smooth, stress-free experience.

We offer a range of school and education WiFi solutions. You can also read our helpful blogs for more information: