Unlock Connect the Classroom funding for your school

Eligibility is strictly targeted by the DfE rather than being an open application. For the current phase, funding is primarily directed toward:  

• Schools currently receiving targeted intervention through the Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence (RISE) programme.  
• Note: Enrolment is not automatic. Eligible schools are contacted directly by the DfE via email and requested to submit a Network Asset Form to validate their current infrastructure.  

The DfE mandates specific, high-performance technical specifications to ensure that the infrastructure remains robust and future-proof for up to a decade. Note: The specifications below are subject to change, we can advise you on up-to-date standard requirements.  

• Wireless standard: Wi-Fi 7 and approved by the Wi-Fi Alliance.  
• Hardware capability: Multi-gigabit access points (minimum 2.5 Gb capable) and multi-gigabit switching to support the access points. 
• Cabling infrastructure: Cat6a structured cabling to access points and OM4 fibre cabling between cabinets. 
• Network management: A centrally managed wireless networking solution with network segregation.  
• Security and coverage: Functional signal throughout and all internal (and necessary external) spaces with robust access security.  

School and trust leaders are responsible for procuring their own DfE-approved supplier, the process follows a structured timeline to guarantee compliance and cost retrieval. RM has helped more than 240 schools complete Connect the Classroom network upgrade projects, allowing them access to over £10 million in DfE funding, and we would be happy to guide you through the process.

• Step 1: Look out for the official eligibility email from the DfE. You will be asked to complete and return a Network Asset Form detailing your current IT setup (we can help you with this).
• Step 2: The DfE will confirm eligibility and confirm your funding allocation allowance.
• Step 3: We will conduct a full wireless site survey and design a compliant Wi-Fi 7 proposal including topologies, heatmaps and a completed DfE Cost Matrix.
• Step 4: Submit RM’s technical quote and design to the DfE. The DfE will evaluate the proposal against their standards and issue a funding approval letter.
• Step 4: Once approved, issue us with a PO and we will arrange with you the installation of cabling, switches and access points, at a time that minimises classroom disruption.
• Step 5: Following successful completion and acceptance testing, submit the final invoice to the DfE. Funding is then channelled directly through your trust or responsible body for full reimbursement. 

The scheme is a significant capital funding win that goes beyond simply ‘faster internet’. Key benefits include:

• Centralised IT governance: Mult-school environments can implement a single cloud-managed network dashboard, allowing central IT teams to monitor, troubleshoot, and push security patches across the entire trust seamlessly.
• Reduced operation friction: Upgrade infrastructure eliminates ‘dead spots’ and ‘network drops, significantly reducing day-to-day IT support tickets and teacher frustration.
• Enhanced technology adoption: A Wi-Fi 7 environment effortlessly supports a high density of 1:1 student devices, cloud-based learning platforms, and concurrent video streaming without bottlenecking bandwidth.
• Built-in cybersecurity and safeguarding: Central management allows for easy network segregation (e.g. keeping guest traffic separate from admin systems) and aligns your schools with strict DfE safeguarding guidelines.