DfE Connect the Classroom 2025 – 2026 Guide

A Fully Funded Connectivity Upgrade for Schools

The Department for Education’s (DfE) Connect the Classroom programme for 2025–26 provides a further £25 million in funding for schools to upgrade their Wi-Fi networks and digital infrastructure in line with the latest DfE connectivity standards.

At Tel Group, we help schools and Multi Academy Trusts understand the DfE guidance, assess their existing systems, and deliver compliant, future ready network solutions that enhance digital teaching and learning.

What is Connect the Classroom?

The DfE Connect the Classroom scheme supports improvements to school networks by replacing wireless access points and associated networking equipment across eligible schools.

These improvements help schools create reliable, secure, and high-speed digital learning environments, ensuring they meet the DfE’s minimum connectivity standards and are ready for future digital demands.

If your school’s current network falls below these standards, this scheme provides an excellent opportunity to secure government funding for essential infrastructure improvements.

These standards include:

• Use of the latest wireless network standard approved by the Wi-Fi Alliance
• Full wireless coverage throughout all school buildings and outdoor areas
• A centrally managed wireless network solution
• Robust security measures to prevent unauthorised access

Who is Eligible?

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

To qualify, a school’s existing network must not yet meet the DfE’s minimum Wi-Fi connectivity requirements. All work must be completed and final claims submitted by 27^th February 2026.

The Importance to Schools

The DfE is committed to narrowing the digital divide by 2030, ensuring that every school has access to modern, high-speed broadband and robust Wi-Fi infrastructure.

A reliable, high-performance wireless network is now an essential, as classrooms become increasingly digital and device driven. From interactive learning tools to cloud-based teaching platforms, modern education depends on fast, secure, and consistent connectivity.

What Does the Funding Cover?

Schools that qualify can access funding for works such as:

• Wi-Fi: Latest standard approved by the Wi-Fi Alliance (Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7) with central management and monitoring tools.
• Edge Switches: Those serving access points are in scope and will include a 5-year warranty, multi-gigabit support and central management tool.
• Cabling: Cat 6A copper and OM4 fibre, installed to British Standards with a 20 year warranty.

Schools must ensure due diligence and secure best available pricing before submission. Tel Group designs every solution to meet these DfE standards and deliver long term reliability.

How Tel Group Can Support Your School 

As a trusted partner for schools, we offer support in navigating the Connect the Classroom process, supporting you with your application and helping you get the most from the available funding.

The Funding Process

Step 1 – Engagement

The DfE will inform your school of eligibility and request a completed Network Asset Form detailing your current set up

Step 2 – Assessment
We carry out a free on-site survey, assessing your current Wi-Fi setup.

Step 3 – Proposal
Based on the requirements identified in the survey, our team will provide a tailored proposal that is fit for purpose, improves your existing Wi-Fi infrastructure, and provides value for money, while staying within the DfE’s budget allocation.

Step 4 – Procurement
Your school selects a preferred supplier and submits the ICT Cost Matrix and ICT Solution Design Document for DfE approval.

Step 5 – Delivery
We manage the installation and configuration of your new Wi-Fi network, ensuring minimal disruption.

Step 6 – Claim & Enjoy
Once approved and funded, your school benefits from a high performance network, with ongoing support and aftercare from Tel Group.

Next Steps

If your school is eligible for the Connect the Classroom funding, we encourage you to act now. Contact us today for a no obligation review of your wireless/network infrastructure, and we’ll help you plan your route to funding, a compliant quote and a future ready network. 

Enquire Today!