Connect the Classroom – DfE-Funded Network Upgrades for Eligible Schools
What Is Connect The Classroom
Connect the Classroom is a Department for Education (DfE) initiative that provides 100% funding to upgrade Wi-Fi and network infrastructure in eligible schools. The aim is simple: ensure your digital environment meets modern teaching demands and DfE technical standards—securely and reliably.
What’s Involved?
The DfE funds the full cost of upgrading your school’s infrastructure—this includes planning, equipment, installation, and testing. The process is designed to minimise disruption to your day-to-day operations, and all work is delivered by approved suppliers.
If your school has been invited to take part, you’ll need to submit a compliant proposal showing how the upgrades will meet DfE technical specifications. That’s where we come in.
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What’s Included with Connect the Classroom?
Schools approved for Connect the Classroom funding typically receive:
- Wi-Fi 6 Access Points – For full coverage in classrooms, offices, halls, and outdoor areas
- Managed Network Switches – With PoE+ to power devices and ensure stability
- Structured Cabling – Upgraded CAT6 and fibre backbone for reliable connectivity
- Cloud-Based Network Management – Central control and visibility of your network
- Improved Security – WPA3 encryption, VLANs, firewalls, and content filtering
- Installation, Configuration & Testing – All carried out by DBS-checked professionals
- Compliance Documentation – For internal records and DfE assurance
How DMS Supports Your Journey
As an educational specialist, we simplify the process from start to finish:
🔍 Free Site Audit
We assess your current network against DfE standards and identify any gaps.
📩 Eligibility Guidance
If your school has been invited by the DfE, we help interpret what’s required.
📝 Proposal Development
We create a compliant, tailored proposal based on your site and teaching needs.
✅ Testing & Certification
We verify everything is installed, configured, and performing to the right standard
🛡️ Aftercare
Ongoing support options available to keep your infrastructure secure and efficient.
🗓️ Installation Planning
Our engineers schedule work around your school timetable to avoid disruption.
Why Choose DMS?
🎓 Education Sector Specialists
As an established educational specialist, we tailor every solution to the specific needs of your school or trust.
🧩 End-to-End Management
We handle everything—from site surveys to sign-off—reducing workload for your internal team.
🔒 Future-Proof & Secure Networks
Our designs support cloud adoption, 1:1 devices, remote access, and centralised control
🤝 Trusted and Transparent
We operate with no vendor lock-in, giving honest, practical advice and using only tried-and-tested education-grade hardware.
🛠 Experienced Delivery Team
Our engineers are DBS-checked, safeguarding-trained, and experienced in working in live school environments.