The government’s 10-year plan for IT in schools 

The government has announced a new 10-year Education Estates Strategy, setting out a long-term plan to improve school and college buildings so they are safer, more inclusive, more resilient and better equipped for the future. While much of the announcement focuses on buildings, SEND inclusion bases, repairs and climate resilience, there is also an important message for school leaders about digital infrastructure: reliable connectivity is now a core part of a fit-for-purpose learning environment.  

A key part of the announcement is further investment in Connect the Classroom, the government-funded programme designed to improve internet speed and wireless connectivity in schools by upgrading Wi-Fi access points and network switches. The wider estates plan includes a further £300 million for Connect the Classroom, alongside significant investment in school repairs, renewal and retrofit.  

For schools, this matters because digital infrastructure is no longer simply an “IT issue”. It affects teaching and learning, safeguarding, cloud systems, assessment, communication, administration, SEND support, staff workload and the ability to use technology reliably across the whole site. A school may have excellent devices and software, but if wireless coverage is poor, switches are outdated, or the network cannot manage demand, the benefits of education technology will be limited. 

What schools should know

Connect the Classroom aims to improve connectivity by funding upgrades to Wi-Fi access points and network switches. Current DfE guidance says eligible schools will be contacted directly by the Department for Education and that schools receiving targeted intervention through the RISE programme are eligible where they fall below the DfE’s Wi-Fi connectivity standards. The guidance also says additional selection criteria will be announced this summer.  

The DfE’s wireless network standard expects schools to work towards high-performance, secure and centrally managed wireless networks. This includes good coverage across school buildings and required external areas, security features to prevent unauthorised access, central management, monitoring, alerts and the ability to support future bandwidth demand.  

The important message is that schools should not wait until they are contacted before reviewing their infrastructure. Leaders should already understand whether their current wireless network, switching, cabling, broadband, filtering, firewall and cyber security arrangements are suitable for the way the school now uses technology. 

How schools can benefit

The evaluation of the second phase of Connect the Classroom found that schools reported significant improvements in internet download speeds, satisfaction with speed and reliability, and reductions in internet blackspots. Satisfaction with speed increased from 61% before intervention to 91% after intervention, and satisfaction with reliability increased from 60% to 91%.  

Better connectivity also supports wider digital transformation. The evaluation found that 40% of schools reported increased use of cloud-based storage or systems after taking part, driven by improved confidence in the reliability and speed of their connection. Schools also described benefits such as improved collaboration between staff, easier access to shared resources and reduced administrative burden.  

For teaching staff, this can mean fewer interruptions, more reliable use of online platforms, improved access to shared planning resources, smoother use of assessment tools, and greater confidence in using technology in lessons. For pupils, it can mean more consistent access to digital learning, fewer delays when devices connect, and better support for inclusive practice. For school leaders and business managers, it can support cloud migration, centralised systems, cyber security improvements and longer-term IT planning. 

Important points for school leaders

Schools should treat the announcement as a prompt to review their whole digital estate, not just Wi-Fi. A strong wireless network depends on the wider infrastructure around it, including switches, cabling, broadband capacity, firewall performance, network segregation, device management, filtering and monitoring, and cyber security controls. 

Leaders should consider the following questions: 

• Does the school have reliable wireless coverage in all teaching areas, offices, halls, shared spaces and required outdoor areas?  

• Can the current network support the number of devices used by staff and pupils at the same time?  

• Are switches, cabling and access points modern enough to support future requirements?  

• Is the wireless network centrally managed, monitored and kept up to date?  

• Are guest, curriculum, staff and administrative networks properly segregated?  

• Are filtering, monitoring and safeguarding systems working effectively across the network?  

• Does the school have an up-to-date digital strategy linked to the DfE digital and technology standards?  

• Is there clear evidence of need, such as heatmaps, speed tests, incident logs, blackspot reports or asset records?  

The Connect the Classroom evaluation also highlights that technology upgrades alone do not automatically deliver full benefit. Schools may still face barriers such as outdated devices, limited budgets, low staff confidence, cyber security concerns and the need for a clear digital strategy.  

What’s next for IT in schools

Schools should begin by checking their current position against the DfE digital and technology standards, especially the wireless network, network switching, cabling, broadband and cyber security standards. Where there are known problems, leaders should gather evidence now, including support logs, coverage issues, speed test results, device numbers, network diagrams and asset information. 

Schools should also review their future technology plans. For example, planned growth in pupil devices, increased cloud use, online assessment, digital safeguarding systems, CCTV, VoIP, MIS migration, AI tools or new building works may all increase demand on the network. The best time to plan infrastructure upgrades is before systems start to fail, not after staff and pupils have already lost confidence. 

How One Education IT Service can help

One Education IT Service works exclusively in education and supports schools, academies and trusts with tailored IT services, including ICT technical support, broadband, wireless networking, installation services, cyber security, network infrastructure and hardware procurement.

We can help schools prepare for Connect the Classroom by reviewing current infrastructure, identifying gaps against DfE standards, gathering evidence of need, advising on suitable wireless and switching solutions, supporting procurement, and helping ensure that any upgrade is secure, scalable and aligned to teaching, learning, safeguarding and long-term digital strategy. 

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