DfE Connect the Classroom Scheme

DfE Connect the Classroom Scheme 2026 – 2030

The Department for Education’s (DfE) Connect the Classroom Scheme has returned for the 2025-2030 financial years, helping to keep schools across the UK connected with a seamless and future proof wireless networking solution.

Specialising in IT Solutions for the Education Sector, Tel Group understands the unique connectivity challenges schools face.

Working with 1200+ schools to improve their IT, communications, security and connectivity since 2005, we are able to work with your school to provide a bespoke DfE approved solution tailored towards your requirements.

The DfE has recently announced the latest phase of its Connect the Classroom scheme, investing a further £325 million for the 2025 -2030 financial years, for schools that aren’t yet meeting Wi-Fi Standards improve their infrastructure with the latest standard approved by the Wi-Fi Alliance Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be).

Schools in the Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence (RISE) programme are eligible for Connect the Classroom funding. Some schools outside the programme also qualify and have been notified by the DfE.

Join the 40 schools already benefiting from £2.5 million in DfE funding through Tel Group, and let us help you deliver an effective, education-focused wireless networking solution under the DfE’s Connect the Classroom scheme.

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

CONNECT THE CLASSROOM CASE STUDY

Connect the Classroom Enquiries:

DfE-Funded Wi-Fi and Fibre Cabling Provided by Tel Group

Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)

The Wi-Fi Alliance approved wireless network standard

Cat6a Cabling

Meeting DfE Network Cabling Standards for schools

Network Switches

Meeting DfE Network Switching Standards for schools

DfE Funded

DfE fund the whole wireless network upgrade for your school

£325 Million

£325 million investment for the 2025-2030 financial years

RISE Schools

Regional improvement for standards and excellence

DfE Connect the Classroom Scheme

Transform Your Connectivity with Tel Group

What is Connect the Classroom?

Connect the Classroom is a DfE funded initiative designed to support eligible schools that do not meet Wi-Fi connectivity standards. The scheme provides a seamless, secure, and future-proof wireless networking solution to transform school IT infrastructure.

Through 2025 – 2030, the DfE is investing £325 million into 1,000 schools as part of the next phase of the programme, with funding available now.

This upgrade will enhance your school’s current IT and network infrastructure, delivering stronger connectivity and coverage across your site. Schools will benefit from Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) Access Points and Fibre Cabling, ensuring reliable, high-speed access to meet the demands of your school.

DfE Connect the Classroom - UK Eligible Schools - RISE Schools (Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence)

Who is Eligible?

Previously, the DfE grouped eligible schools into three categories: Priority Education Investment Areas, Education Investment Areas, and Intervention Schools. However, the latest phase will no longer use this criteria.

Instead, the DfE is shifting its focus to schools that do not currently meet Wi-Fi standards, starting with RISE schools, with plans to fund upgrades for 1,000 schools nationwide.

These standards include:

Use of the latest wireless network standard approved by the Wi-Fi Alliance – Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
Full wireless coverage throughout the school premises – Internal and external
A centrally managed wireless network solution
Robust security measures to prevent unauthorised access

The new phase will run for the 2025 – 2030 financial years, and eligible schools will be contacted directly by the DfE.

Why Choose Tel Group?

Specialising in education technology, we understand the connectivity challenges schools face.

With over 1,200 education customers, we have the expertise to provide a bespoke, DfE-approved solution tailored to your school’s specific requirements.

We’ve worked alongside the DfE on numerous projects, including Connect the Classroom, where so far we’ve helped 40 schools secure £2.5 million in funding for enhanced connectivity.
We offer a wide range of edtech solutions, allowing you to leverage our expertise not only for connectivity but also for other projects, all while staying within your allocated budgets and goals.

While not all schools may qualify for DfE funding, we still offer DfE-approved pricing to all schools, ensuring every school can achieve the same outstanding results.

Connect the Classroom Process

Simplifying the Process: From Invitation to DfE Funding and Wi-Fi Installation

Step 1

Engagement:

Selected schools are contacted by the DfE, confirming eligibility on the CTC scheme and requesting a completed Network Asset Form detailing current Wi-Fi and cabling infrastructure which you then submit to the DfE for acceptance.

Step 2

Assessment:

The DfE reviews the submission to assess whether the school meets the minimum Wi-Fi standards. If eligible, Tel Group can carry out a full site survey, to identify your requirements and develop a custom Wi-Fi and cabling solution.

Step 3

Proposal:

Based on the requirements identified in the survey, our team will provide a tailored proposal and cost matrix that meets the DfE’s strict funding criteria. You can review this and share it with your DfE advisor.

Step 4

Procurement:

Once you have received all proposals, your school must select a preferred supplier and submit the cost matrix to the DfE for final approval. The DfE will then issue a funding agreement.

Step 5

Delivery:

We manage the entire project, working with your school to plan, schedule, and install your upgraded connectivity solution to the agreed specifications, with ongoing support, training, and aftercare.

Step 6

Claim & Enjoy:

The school submits an invoice to the DfE, which pays the responsible body, who then pays the supplier. The school can then enjoy their upgraded Wi-Fi 6 and 7 network with improved connectivity.

Our Impact, Their Words

Connect the Classroom Testimonials

The LEARNERs’ Trust

Connect the Classroom Testimonial

10 of the 18 schools currently in the LEARNERS’ Trust were eligible for the Connect the Classroom scheme and having previously worked with Tel Group and chatting with a couple of other companies, we were confident that Tel were the right people and up for such a big task.

From start to finish, communication was clear and the Tel team were very helpful with every step of the CtC process, including visiting each site, gathering info for documentation, and being flexible and considerate with installation dates and times.

The installations at each school were all planned around suitable dates and times for the school, and the on-site teams were brilliant and caretakers often commented how it didn’t even look like anyone had been in doing work because they’d tidied up so nicely after they had done.

We wouldn’t hesitate to use Tel Group again for similar projects in the future.

Tom Sheffield – Senior IT Support
Cidari Multi Academy Trust

Connect the Classroom Testimonial

As part of the DfE Connect the Classroom scheme, we partnered with Tel Group to upgrade the cabling and Wi-Fi at two of our eligible schools. From the outset, their team demonstrated exceptional professionalism, ensuring a smooth installation of our Wi-Fi solution.

When we later decided to expand our network as part of a self-funded initiative, Tel Group provided expert advice and seamless integration, ensuring our infrastructure aligned with our budget and long-term goals.

Following this success, Tel Group was awarded the contract to upgrade cabling across our remaining 14 schools for Wi-Fi, Door Access, CCTV, and Lockdown Solutions. Their expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to delivering high-quality work made the entire process efficient and hassle-free.

Matt McIver- COO
Frank Field Education Trust

Connect the Classroom Testimonial

Working with Tel Group has rapidly enhanced ICT across our Trust, hugely improving teaching and learning for our students. Our partnership began through the DfE Connect the Classroom Scheme, where Tel completed a Wi-Fi upgrade at one of our eligible schools. Following their success, we confidently awarded them the Wi-Fi project for a second school and now partner with them on multiple ICT services.

Whilst the Connect the Classroom Scheme utilised Aruba kit, Tel worked closely with us to implement UniFi Wi-Fi on portions of our self-funded projects, as it was better suited to our budgetary needs. Tel were aware at every juncture that budget and best value were key and had an extensive knowledge of working within schools. They ensured both systems were fully compatible and integrated, providing a reliable and scalable network, within budget.

We’re confident that Tel Group will remain an invaluable partner as we continue to grow and cannot recommend them highly enough.

Sam Finch – Chief Finance and Operating Officer
St Thomas CofE Primary School

Connect the Classroom Testimonial

We are a primary school in Oldham with over 500 children. Oldham was chosen as one of the early areas to be part of the connect the classroom project.

We were approached by a number of companies but the one who stood out in professionalism and organisation was Tel Group. From the first meeting to the final sign off they were excellent.

They completed the work out of hours and left the school immaculately clean and the cabling work was spot on. Following the install the commissioning took place immediately after and the entire system was configured and worked perfectly.

The follow up support has been easy to access and the team are very approachable. I would recommend them to anyone to use for both the connect the classroom project and also to provide telecommunication support as well.

Paul McGrath – Headteacher
Mill Ford School

Connect the Classroom Testimonial

I have worked with Tel Group for several years now over a range of projects, including Connect the Classroom.

I cannot fault the service provided. They are professional and knowledgeable and nothing is too much trouble.

They understand the context of my school and adjust their working procedures accordingly.

Andrea Howard – School Business Manager

Connect the Classroom Case Study

How Tel Group Transformed Mill Ford School’s Connectivity through the CTC Scheme

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

Connect the Classroom Case Study

Since the CTC Scheme was founded, we have worked with a 40+ schools to fulfil their new DfE funded connectivity. 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