DfE Standard
Connect the classroom is designed to bring eligible schools up to the Department for Education's required Wi-Fi connectivity standards.
The DfE requirements cover more than simply installing new wireless access points. Schools need to consider the overall performance, management and security of their network.
Key requirements include:
Modern wireless technology The network should use the latest wireless technology standard approved by the Wi-Fi Alliance.
Reliable coverage Schools should have a fully functional wireless signal throughout their buildings and, where required, relevant external areas.
Centralised management The wireless network should be centrally managed, allowing the school or its IT provider to monitor, manage and maintain the network effectively.
Network security Appropriate security measures must be in place to help prevent unauthorised access and protect the school's network.
Achieving these standards requires a properly designed network rather than simply replacing individual pieces of equipment.
Why it Matters
A reliable school network is now fundamental to everyday education.
Poor Wi-Fi can affect everything from classroom technology and online learning to cloud applications, safeguarding systems, administration and communication.
A network that meets the DfE requirements can provide your school with:
- More consistent Wi-Fi coverage
- Improved network performance
- Greater reliability for staff and pupils
- Better support for increasing numbers of connected devices
- Centralised network management
- Improved network security
- Infrastructure that is easier to maintain and support
- A platform that can support future technology requirements
Connect the classroom funding gives eligible schools an opportunity to address existing infrastructure issues and invest in a network designed around their current and future needs.
How Bowker IT Can Help
Bowker IT can support your school throughout the Connect the classroom process, from understanding your existing infrastructure through to installation and ongoing support.
Assess your existing network
Before recommending equipment, we can assess your current infrastructure and understand how your network is being used.
Our assessment can identify:
- Existing wireless access points and their locations
- Network switches and available capacity
- Wi-Fi coverage and potential dead spots
- Network cabling and infrastructure
- Areas experiencing congestion or poor performance
- Existing network management arrangements
- Security considerations
- Opportunities to future-proof your infrastructure
Our Wi-Fi surveys and infrastructure assessments provide a practical starting point for developing the right solution for your school.
Design a DfE-compliant solution
Every school is different. Building construction, pupil numbers, staff requirements, device numbers and the way technology is used can all affect the design of your network.
Bowker IT can work with your school to develop a solution that addresses the DfE requirements while being practical for your day-to-day environment.
Our approach is simple:
Understand → Plan → Deliver
We take the time to understand your requirements before recommending and implementing the appropriate technology.
Upgrade your Wi-Fi and network infrastructure
We can supply, install and configure the infrastructure required to improve your school's connectivity, including:
- Wireless access points
- Managed network switches
- Network configuration
- Wi-Fi surveys
- Data cabling
- Fibre and structured cabling
- Network troubleshooting
- Network testing and certification
- Centralised wireless management
Minimise disruption
Installing technology in a school requires careful planning.
Our experienced technicians can coordinate work around your school day, helping to minimise disruption to lessons while ensuring that installation work is completed safely and efficiently.
With experience supporting primary schools, secondary schools, SEN settings and academies, we understand the specific requirements of education environments.
Support beyond installation
Your network upgrade shouldn't end when the equipment is installed.
Bowker IT can provide ongoing IT and network support, helping your school maintain reliable connectivity and get the most from its investment.
Questions to Ask Your IT Provider
Before choosing an IT provider for your Connect the classroom project, ask:
- Will you assess our existing network before recommending equipment? A proper assessment should identify weaknesses in your current infrastructure rather than simply replacing existing equipment on a like-for-like basis.
- Does your proposed solution meet the relevant DfE requirements? Ask your provider to clearly explain how the proposed technology and network design address the DfE standards.
- Will you survey our Wi-Fi coverage? A Wi-Fi survey can identify coverage issues and help determine the appropriate positioning and number of access points.
- Are the network switches and cabling being considered? High-performance access points rely on suitable switching and cabling infrastructure. Upgrading Wi-Fi alone may not resolve underlying network limitations.
- How will the network be managed and secured? Your provider should explain how the wireless network will be centrally managed, monitored and secured.
- How will the installation affect the school day? Ask how the provider will plan installation work around lessons, staff and pupils to minimise disruption.
- What happens after installation? Find out what testing, certification, support and ongoing maintenance will be provided once the project is complete.
- Can you support our school beyond this project? Choosing a provider that understands your wider IT environment can make it easier to maintain and develop your network in the future.
Is Your School Eligible?
The DfE's current guidance states that schools receiving targeted intervention through the Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence (RISE) programme are eligible for Connect the classroom. Eligible schools are contacted directly by the DfE, with funding available where they fall below the required Wi-Fi connectivity standards.
If your school has received communication from the DfE about the programme, Bowker IT can help you understand the requirements and plan your project.
Not eligible for Connect the classroom funding?
Bowker IT can still help.
Our infrastructure rental service provides schools with a flexible way to upgrade their network without the need for a large upfront investment.
We can supply, install, configure and support modern network infrastructure, helping your school achieve reliable, high-performance connectivity while meeting relevant DfE requirements.
With our rental service, you can spread the cost of your infrastructure while keeping your technology up to date and supported.
Let's Get Your School Connected
Don't let the requirements of Connect the classroom become another project for your already busy school team to manage.
Bowker IT can help you assess your current infrastructure, identify improvements, design the right solution and deliver the installation.
Whether you're using Connect the classroom funding or looking for an alternative way to upgrade your school's network, speak to Bowker IT today.
