Connect the Classroom Funding for Schools.
Holker IT helps schools and multi-academy trusts check their eligibility, navigate the DfE application, and get their network upgraded under the Connect the Classroom scheme.
Call 0333 305 2020What Is Connect the Classroom?
A DfE-funded network upgrade programme, explained in plain English.
Connect the Classroom is a Department for Education (DfE) programme that funds the upgrade of WiFi access points and network switches in eligible schools. It's part of the government's wider plan to narrow the digital divide in education by making sure every classroom has a reliable, fast, and secure network.
£325 million of funding is available across the 2025 to 2030 financial years, building on the £215 million invested between 2021 and 2025. The DfE funds a supplier to carry out the improvement work, but schools are responsible for procuring their own supplier, and the completed work has to meet DfE specifications.
Learn About Our Education IT ServicesSource: gov.uk/guidance/connect-the-classroom, Department for Education.
Is Your School Eligible?
Two checklists: whether you qualify, and what the DfE expects your network to do.
Schools currently receiving targeted intervention through the RISE programme (Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence) are eligible for Connect the Classroom funding. The DfE contacts eligible schools directly by email, and has also reached out to some schools outside the RISE programme where wifi connectivity falls below its required standards. If you're not sure whether your school has been contacted, Holker can run through it with you before you spend time on an application.
Your school may be eligible if:
- You're receiving RISE programme support
- The DfE has emailed you directly about the scheme
- Your wifi doesn't reach every building, or outdoor areas where required
- Your network can't be centrally managed or secured against unauthorised access
DfE wireless standards checklist
- Latest wireless standard approved by the Wi-Fi Alliance
- Fully functional signal throughout buildings and externally, where required
- A solution that can centrally manage the wireless network
- Security features that stop unauthorised network access
Full technical standards: gov.uk wireless network standards for schools and colleges.
Everything Your School Needs
One IT partner for the whole Connect the Classroom project, from eligibility check through to day-to-day support.
DfE Application Support
We help prepare the network asset form, site survey, and cost matrix your school needs to submit to the DfE.
Network & WiFi Design
DfE-spec wireless network design using the latest Wi-Fi Alliance approved standard and central management tools.
Cabling & Installation
Our own engineers handle fibre and access point installation, scheduled around term dates and exams.
Cyber Security & Safeguarding
Managed firewalls, endpoint protection, and web filtering that go beyond basic safeguarding requirements.
Ongoing Managed IT Support
Once your upgrade is live, we keep managing and securing it as part of your everyday IT support.
AI Readiness for Schools
Practical AI adoption once your network is upgraded, from Microsoft Copilot to time-saving staff workflows.
Upgrading Your Network? Check Your Wider DfE Digital Standards Too
Connect the Classroom covers your wifi and network hardware, but that's just one part of the DfE's wider digital and technology standards.
Alongside network standards, the DfE's digital and technology standards cover several other areas, including who can access your systems, how you back up data, how you manage devices, and how you filter and monitor internet use. Holker's free DfE RAG Report gives your school a clear, jargon-free view of where you stand against the full framework, not just wifi, with practical next steps you can act on straight away.
What meeting DfE standards looks like
- Controlling who can access your systems, with MFA where needed
- Keeping secure backups so data can be recovered quickly
- Managing and updating devices, laptops, and servers
- Safe internet use, with filtering and monitoring for pupils and staff
Free DfE Standards Compliance Check
In a quick, 30-minute assessment you'll get a RAG status against the DfE's digital and technology standards, clear visibility of any gaps or risks, and practical next steps, all explained in plain English.
Built for Schools and Trusts
Holker supports Connect the Classroom projects for every type of school and responsible body.
How the funding process works
The DfE or your responsible body confirms eligibility, your school submits a network asset form and site survey, then you choose your own supplier who prepares a cost matrix for DfE approval before work begins.
Already part of the school day
Holker already provides day-to-day IT support to primary schools, secondary schools, and multi-academy trusts across the North West, so a Connect the Classroom upgrade fits straight into a relationship many of our clients already have.
Why Schools Choose Holker
Illustrative feedback based on the kind of comments we hear most often from school IT leads and business managers.
"Our wifi issues were sorted faster than we expected, and the team kept us updated at every stage of the project."
Business Manager - Primary School, Lancashire
"Holker handled all the DfE paperwork for us. We just had to sign it off, which took so much pressure off our team."
IT Lead - Multi-Academy Trust, Greater Manchester
"It wasn't just an install and goodbye. They still manage and monitor our network today, so we know who to call."
Headteacher - Secondary School, North West
Connect the Classroom - Common Questions
What is Connect the Classroom?
It's a DfE-funded programme that pays for eligible schools to upgrade their wifi access points and network switches, so every classroom gets a reliable, fast, and secure connection.
Is my school eligible for Connect the Classroom funding?
Schools receiving RISE programme support are eligible, and the DfE has also contacted some other schools directly where their wifi doesn't meet current standards. If you haven't heard from the DfE and aren't sure, Holker can help you check.
How much Connect the Classroom funding is available?
£325 million is available across the 2025 to 2030 financial years, following on from £215 million invested between 2021 and 2025.
What does Connect the Classroom funding cover?
It funds a supplier to upgrade wireless access points, core switches, and associated cabling, to bring your network up to the DfE's current wireless standards.
How do I apply for Connect the Classroom funding?
Your school or responsible body is contacted by the DfE, then submits a network asset form and site survey. Once accepted, you choose your own supplier, who prepares a cost matrix for DfE approval before work begins. Holker can support you through every step of that process.
Does Holker charge for a Connect the Classroom eligibility check?
No. Call 0333 305 2020 and we'll review your current network against DfE standards at no cost.
Ready to Talk?
Get a free, no-obligation eligibility check. We'll assess your network and show you exactly what we'd do differently.