DfE Connect the Classroom Scheme

Connect the Classroom

The Department for Education’s (DfE) Connect the Classroom Scheme has returned for another year, helping to keep rural schools across the UK connected with a seamless and future proof wireless networking solution.

Specialising in IT services and strategy for the education sector, we understand the unique requirements and challenges schools face in regards to IT and Connectivity.

With 16 years experience working with 1000+ schools to improve their communications and connectivity, we are able to work with your school to provide a bespoke DfE approved solution tailored towards your requirements.

Let us help you provide an effective and comprehensive, education-focused wireless networking solution with the DFE Connect the Classroom scheme

It’s time to Connect your Classrooms with Tel Group.

CONNECT THE CLASSROOM ENQUIRIES

CONNECT THE CLASSROOM CASE STUDY

Connect the Classroom

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DfE Connect the Classroom Scheme - Tel Group

What is Connect the Classroom?

Connect the Classroom is a scheme funded by the DfE to provide rural schools across the UK with a seamless and future-proof wireless networking solution.

This initiative will transform your school’s current IT and network infrastructure, improving connectivity and coverage across your premises with Access Points and Fibre Cabling to meet the demands of your school.

Eligible schools should of now been contacted by the DfE. However, if you are unsure of your eligibility status then please get in touch and we can help.

DfE Connect the Classroom - Tel Group - Next Steps

What are the next steps?

Once you’ve received your invitation you will need to complete a compliant bid to obtain the funding. Your school can then apply direct via Tel Group.

1. Get in touch with our team to request a quote and discuss your requirements.
2. We will provide a quote designed exclusively to DfE specifications which you can review and share with your DfE advisor.
3. Once approved, our team will develop the plan for your projects delivery and installation.
4. Along the way, you will receive proactive support, guidance and training, as well as after care once your project is complete.
5. Enjoy your new connectivity!

Why choose Tel Group?

Specialising in IT services and strategy for the education sector, we understand the unique requirements and challenges schools face in regards to IT and Connectivity.

With 16 years experience and 1000+ education customers as part of the Tel Group family, we are able to work with your school to provide a bespoke DfE approved solution tailored towards your requirements.

Throughout our 16 years as a business, we have worked with the DfE on a number of projects and continue to do so.
We understand your schools requirements and are able to offer a solution that works towards your allocated budgets, wants and needs.

Unfortunately, not every school will qualify for this funding. If your school is in this position, we will still provide the DfE approved pricing, helping you achieve the same results. 

Mill Ford School Connect The Classroom DFE Case Study With Tel Group

Connect the Classroom Case Study

In 2021, we worked with a number of schools on the DfE Connect the Classroom scheme. One school was Mill Ford, a school in Plymouth that had 2 local sites needing an integrated wireless network connection.

Read our full case study to find out how we helped Mill Ford school through DfE funding on the Connect the Classroom Scheme.

Read Our Connect the Classroom Case Study

The Diocese of Coventry Multi Academy Trust

The Diocese of Coventry Multi Academy Trust has been working with Tel Group for a couple of years, with many of our schools using them for Telephony. As a Trust we are working towards using them for telephony for all our academies.

Tel Group have been proactive and responsive as well as providing a very competitive deal for our schools.

The service has been excellent.

Louise Beale, Head of Operations and Compliance
Three Saints Academy Trust

We switched our school phones over to VOIP with Tel Group this year. They gave us a dedicated account manager who made sure we were kept informed throughout the process and communicated with other parties on our behalf.

The engineers were quick and professional and made sure we were comfortable with the system before they left. Where we have requested changes/help from tech support the response has been fast and helpful.

We would recommend Tel Group to other schools.

Kim Sawe, School Business Manager
Oasis Community Learning MAT

Tel Group was awarded the OCL telephony business in 2019, having won a competitive tender against 8 other providers – in all categories they came out on top.

Since then, Tel Group have undertaken audits at a number of OCL academies, providing advice on switching lines and terminating those not required. I have always been impressed with David’s professionalism and resilience and his focus on what is right (and most cost effective) for the client.

I’d be happy to speak with any other Trusts or schools and recommend their services.

Ryan Messenger, National Procurement Manager
The Emmaus Federation

We have used Tel Group to provide the phone system in our schools for several years now, and have always been happy with the service we have received.

Prices are competitive. We have recently moved over to a VOIP system which was installed by a professional and friendly engineer on a date to suit.

When we were working remotely during the height of the pandemic, it was easy to transfer calls to our mobiles. Customer services are also great.

Emma Woods, Chair of Governors
Lincoln Anglican Academy Trust

Thank you so much to Tel Group for all you have done in our schools. The engineers were really helpful and everyone’s said how lovely they were.

The excitement over new phones has been incredible – I’ve never known such communication between classrooms! I really appreciated your call the following morning to check we’re OK too.

That was a great touch. All in all, wouldn’t hesitate to recommend you.

Emma Fairhall, School Business Manager