School IT Infrastructure Checklist: Things to Review

A Practical Guide to Reviewing Your School’s Network, Connectivity and Security Infrastructure

Your school’s IT infrastructure supports classroom learning, connectivity, security systems and everyday communication. However, as equipment is added and buildings change, weaknesses can develop without being immediately noticeable.

Regular reviews help schools identify ageing equipment, performance problems and resilience gaps before they lead to disruption or unexpected costs.

Why Review Your School’s Infrastructure?

Some problems are immediately noticeable, such as unreliable Wi-Fi or slow connections. Others, including outdated cabling, overcrowded cabinets and single points of failure, may remain hidden until something stops working.

A structured review provides a clearer understanding of what is installed, how well it is performing and where improvements should be prioritised.

School IT Infrastructure Checklist

Broadband and Backup Connectivity

• Is your connection fast enough for current and future demand?
• Is the primary service delivered over full fibre?
• Is there a separate backup connection?
• Has automatic failover been configured and tested?
• Would connectivity continue during a local power failure?
• Are broadband services clearly documented?

Broadband speed is only one part of a reliable service. Schools should also consider backup connectivity and power protection for critical network equipment.

Network Cabling

• Can the existing cabling support the required network speeds?
• Are remote cabinets connected directly to the core network?
• Is suitable fibre installed between key locations or buildings?
• Is classroom cabling clearly labelled and tested?
• Is there sufficient capacity for future expansion?

Older cabling can restrict the performance of newer broadband, switches and wireless access points.

Network Cabinets

• Are cabinets secure, organised and correctly ventilated?
• Is equipment properly mounted?
• Are cables and connections clearly labelled?
• Is suitable surge protection installed?
• Is UPS battery backup available for critical equipment?
• Are cabinets large enough for their current and future contents?

Poorly maintained cabinets can increase the risk of overheating, accidental damage and service disruption.

Network Switching

• Are switches still supported by the manufacturer?
• Can they handle current and future network traffic?
• Are suitable high-speed links available between switches?
• Is there enough capacity for access points, cameras and other devices?
• Are there any single points of failure?

Ageing switches can create network bottlenecks and limit the performance of connected systems.

Wi-Fi Coverage and Performance

• Does Wi-Fi provide reliable coverage throughout classrooms?
• Are offices, halls, corridors and communal spaces covered?
• Have outdoor areas been included where connectivity is needed?
• Can the network support the number of devices used at busy times?
• Are access points positioned according to the building layout?
• Has a professional wireless survey been completed?

Basic speed tests only show performance in individual locations. A wireless survey and heat map analysis provide a clearer view of signal strength, interference and coverage gaps across the school.

Heat maps can help schools create an evidence-based design for future Wi-Fi improvements.

Door Access Control

• Which entrances and internal doors are controlled?
• Is all access control equipment operating correctly?
• Are important entrance points included?
• Are multiple, disconnected systems in use?
• Can the system support future expansion?

A site review can document existing access-controlled doors and identify areas where coverage or standardisation may be improved.

CCTV Systems

• Are all cameras operational?
• Does coverage include the school’s main risk areas?
• Are there gaps or blind spots?
• Is the recording equipment still supported?
• Is the image quality suitable?
• Is sufficient recording capacity available?

Reviewing the CCTV estate can identify failed cameras, outdated equipment and areas where additional coverage may be required.

Lockdown and Emergency Communication

• Does the school have a dedicated lockdown system?
• Is the alert clearly different from the fire alarm?
• Can it be activated quickly from agreed locations?
• Can instructions be heard across the school?
• Are classrooms, offices and outdoor areas covered?
• Can live or pre-recorded announcements be delivered?
• Could existing telephone technology support emergency alerts?

A dedicated solution can help schools deliver fast, clear and consistent emergency instructions. This could include speakers, horns, activation buttons and integration with the school telephone system.

Audio-Visual Equipment

• Are interactive displays operating correctly?
• Is cabling secure, tidy and clearly labelled?
• Is equipment properly mounted?
• Are any systems approaching the end of their supported life?
• Is a replacement plan in place?

Reviewing classroom technology helps schools plan replacements and identify installation issues that could affect reliability or safety.

Supporting the DfE Digital and Technology Standards

The Department for Education advises schools and colleges to work towards meeting six core digital and technology standards by 2030.

A Tel Group infrastructure audit can assess several relevant areas, including:

• Broadband connectivity and resilience
• Wireless network coverage
• Network switching
• Network cabling

The wider survey also assesses CCTV, door access control, lockdown systems and audio visual equipment, providing schools with a broader view of their technology, security and communication infrastructure.

How an ICT Infrastructure Audit Can Help

A checklist is a useful starting point, but a professional ICT Infrastructure Audit provides a detailed assessment of how your systems are performing in practice.

Tel Group’s audits include:

• Physical inspection of cabinets and cabling
• Broadband and network resilience reviews
• Fibre and backbone assessments
• Wireless surveys and heat map analysis
• CCTV and access control assessments
• Lockdown and emergency communication reviews
• Audio visual equipment assessments

The findings are presented through a clear RAG rated report, highlighting areas of concern and providing practical, prioritised recommendations.

Plan Your Next Technology Improvements

Schools do not always need to replace everything at once. The first step is understanding what is working, where the risks are and which improvements should take priority.

Tel Group can assess your existing infrastructure and create a practical improvement plan based on your school’s requirements and budget.

Get in touch with Tel Group to arrange an ICT Infrastructure Audit for your school or MAT.

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