Connect the Classroom: Funded Wi-Fi For Schools
The Connect the Classroom scheme is a government-funded program that provides funding for schools in eligible areas to upgrade their wireless network infrastructure. This funding can be used to improve the speed, reliability, and coverage of a school’s Wi-Fi network.
Just some of the benefits of the Connect the Classroom scheme include:
Faster and more reliable internet access:
A faster and more reliable internet connection can help students to access online resources more quickly and easily, and can also help to reduce the number of dropped connections during online lessons.
Improved collaboration:
A better Wi-Fi network can make it easier for students to collaborate on projects, and can also help teachers to deliver lessons that require students to work together online.
Enhanced learning experiences:
A better Wi-Fi network can open up new possibilities for learning, such as the use of virtual reality and augmented reality.
Improved Security:
Install the latest, most robust Wi-Fi network allowing you to take advantage of the best security solutions.
How to use the Connect the Classroom scheme
A school must be located in an Education Investment Area to be eligible for the Connect the Classroom scheme. Schools can apply for funding by submitting a proposal to the Department for Education. The proposal should include information about the school’s current Wi-Fi network, planned improvements, and the benefits the school expects to achieve from the upgrade.
How do I know if my school is eligible?
You can talk to your Planet IT Account manager, and we will find out for you, but basically:
All state schools in Priority Education Investment Areas (EIAs) are eligible to apply for funding.
Priority EIAs are schools in:
Blackpool, Bradford, Derby, Doncaster, Fenlands and East Cambridgeshire, Halton, Hartlepool, Hastings, Ipswich, Knowsley, Liverpool, Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire Coast, Norwich, Nottingham, Oldham, Portsmouth, Rochdale, Salford, Sandwell, Stoke-on-Trent, Tameside, Walsall, West Somerset.
Schools in other EIAs with an Ofsted rating below ‘Good’ are also eligible to apply for funding.
Other EIAs are:
Bedford, Bolton, Bury, Cambridgeshire, Central Bedfordshire, Cornwall, County Durham, Coventry, Darlington, Derbyshire, Dorset, Dudley, East Sussex, Isle of Wight, Kirklees, Leeds, Lincolnshire, Luton, Manchester, Norfolk, North Northamptonshire, North Somerset, North Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Peterborough, Plymouth, Rotherham, Sefton, Somerset, South Gloucestershire, South Tyneside, St. Helens, Suffolk, Sunderland, Swindon, Wakefield, Wirral.
Map & detail source, click here.
So, what do you do now?
The Connect the Classroom scheme is a valuable resource for schools that are looking to improve their Wi-Fi network, as essential for modern learning. The Planet IT Education Specialists can walk you through the process.
Here are the steps you can take now.
- Talk to your Planet IT Account Manager to start the process and check if your school is eligible.
- Discuss the best Wi-fi solution for your school.
- Secure your quote to include with your proposal to the Department for Education.
- Once approved, install the upgrades.
- Enjoy the benefits of a faster, more reliable Wi-Fi network!
