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DfE Connect the Classroom · UK-Wide

Received Your Connect the Classroom Notification? Book a Free Site Survey

DMS delivers free site surveys, DfE-compliant quotes and fully managed Wi-Fi installations for eligible schools across the UK — handling everything from Network Asset Form to completed upgrade. Planning for 2026–27? Get in touch now to be ready when the next round opens.

“Friendly and professional service. They listen to what you would like to do and are always happy to help.”

— Keith Tomlinson, Network Manager · The Derby High School

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How It works

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Survey typically takes 2–3 hours and results in a full report ready for DfE submission. We respond within one working day.

Running a multi-academy trust? We can co-ordinate surveys across multiple schools — just let us know.

Book a Free Site Survey

Fill in your details and we’ll call you back within one working day. We’ll ask a few questions about your current setup and what’s not working — and go from there. Trusted by schools across the UK since 2005

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DfE committed 2025–2030

£ 300 M

Next funding round — plan ahead now

2026 /27

schools targeted per year

900 +

UK-Wide

free site surveys available*

About the scheme

What is the DfE Connect the Classroom programme?

Connect the Classroom is a government-funded programme run by the Department for Education (DfE), designed to bring every eligible school’s Wi-Fi up to modern standards. The scheme funds the full supply and installation of upgraded wireless infrastructure — access points, switches and cabling — at no cost to the school. It sits alongside a broader range of IT services DMS provides to schools and academies across the UK.

The DfE has committed £325 million between 2025 and 2030, with funding allocated each financial year to around 1,000 schools. The most recent round has now closed — but schools who were notified and are still mid-process, or who expect to be eligible for the next round, should start the groundwork now. Eligibility is focused on schools receiving targeted intervention through the RISE (Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence) programme, plus schools falling below DfE Wi-Fi standards.

What happens after your school is notified?
Once notified, schools must appoint a supplier, complete a Network Asset Form, and arrange a site survey. The GOV.UK Connect the Classroom guidance recommends arranging a site survey before submission. DMS provides this free of charge with no obligation to proceed.

Book a free survey

How Connect the Classroom eligibility works

Schools receiving RISE targeted intervention are eligible
Some additional schools whose Wi-Fi falls below DfE standards also qualify
The DfE contacts eligible schools directly — typically to the Headteacher or Principal
Primary, secondary, PRUs and SEN settings can all be eligible
MATs — each school within the trust can apply separately
Schools procure their own supplier — the quote must meet DfE specifications

DfE Wi-Fi standards your upgrade must meet

ℹ The DfE contacts eligible schools directly by email. Check your spam folder — DfE notifications are frequently filtered.

The process

How Connect the Classroom works for your school

DMS manages the process from initial site survey through to completed, DfE-signed-off installation.

DfE notification

The DfE contacts your school directly to confirm eligibility and request a completed Network Asset Form detailing your current Wi-Fi setup.

Free site survey

We visit your school, assess the existing Wi-Fi infrastructure room by room against DfE standards, and give you a clear picture of what’s needed. No charge, no obligation.

DfE-compliant quote

We produce a detailed cost matrix and ICT Solution Design Document to the DfE’s exact specifications — ready for your submission and DfE approval.

Managed installation

On DfE approval, our engineers install your new Wi-Fi network with minimal disruption to the school day — fully tested and signed off to DfE standards.

Running a multi-academy trust? DMS can co-ordinate free site surveys across multiple schools within your trust — saving you time and ensuring consistent, DfE-compliant proposals for every site. Get in touch to discuss a trust-wide approach.

Why DMS

School network infrastructure — it's what we do

DMS is an IT managed services and consultancy company with over 20 years of experience delivering network infrastructure projects in schools, academies and MATs across the UK. View all DMS services ->

Network infrastructure depth

DMS has delivered a large number of network infrastructure projects in school environments — structured cabling, switching, wireless and beyond. We know how schools work and how to install with minimal disruption.

Education-first

Over 70% of DMS's work is in the education sector. We understand school environments, term-time constraints and IT budget pressures.

End-to-end service

From free site survey to completed, signed-off installation — one team, no separate contractors, no co-ordination headaches for your school.

UK-wide coverage

Free site surveys and installations available to eligible schools nationwide. Wherever your school is, we can arrange a visit at a time that suits you.*

A 15-minute call is usually enough to find out.

Sounds like a good fit?

Book a survey

01322 420140

Common questions

Connect the Classroom FAQs — eligibility, funding and next steps

How does Connect the Classroom eligibility work?

Eligibility is determined each financial year by the DfE. Schools receiving RISE targeted intervention are eligible, as are some additional schools whose Wi-Fi falls below DfE standards. The DfE contacts eligible schools directly by email — typically to the Headteacher or Principal.

How much funding is available and for how long?

The DfE has committed £325 million to Connect the Classroom between 2025 and 2030, with funding released each financial year. The most recent round has now closed, but schools currently mid-process or expecting eligibility should prepare now for the next round. Getting a site survey done in advance puts you in the best position to move quickly when notifications go out.

What does the funding cover?

The funding covers Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7 access points, multi-gigabit edge switches with a 5-year warranty, and structured cabling (Cat 6A copper and OM4 fibre) installed to British Standards with a 20-year warranty — everything needed to bring your school’s network up to DfE standards. Schools procure their own supplier; the quote and installation must meet DfE specifications.

Who in my school will the DfE contact?

The DfE emails the Headteacher or Principal registered against your school. For MATs, the trust’s central leadership team is typically contacted. Check your spam folder — DfE emails are frequently filtered before they reach the inbox.

We've received our DfE notification — what do we do next?

Once notified, you’ll need to complete a Network Asset Form detailing your current Wi-Fi setup, then appoint a supplier to carry out a site survey and produce a compliant cost matrix for DfE approval. DMS handles all of this — book a free site survey to get started.

Can each school in our MAT apply separately?

Yes. MATs can progress a separate Connect the Classroom application for each eligible school within the trust. DMS has experience co-ordinating surveys, quotes and DfE submissions across multiple sites — get in touch to discuss your trust’s requirements.

Get Started

Getting ahead of the 2026–27 round?

The next Connect the Classroom funding wave is coming. Book a free site survey now — we’ll assess your Wi-Fi infrastructure and make sure you’re ready to move quickly when notifications go out.

Book a free survey

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