WHAT IS CONNECT THE CLASSROOM?
Connect the Classroom is a government-funded Department for Education programme that improves connectivity by upgrading Wi-Fi access points and network switches in eligible schools in England.
Eligible schools are contacted directly. They receive funding where their existing wireless network falls below the DfE’s connectivity standards.
Funding
£325 million is available for Connect the Classroom across the 2025–2030 financial years, following £215 million invested between 2021 and 2025.
As a result, schools increasingly partner with Clarion so their upgrades are designed, installed and documented on time – with all funding and admin steps handled smoothly from start to finish.
Check your school’s eligibility…
Clarion Delivers DfE-Funded Connectivity for Moorland School
Moorland School had experienced unreliable Wi-Fi, coverage gaps and previous unsuccessful attempts to secure DfE support.
Clarion helped with the funding process, survey, heat-mapping, design and installation.
The school reported no outages following installation, full site coverage and access-point hardware costs 40–50% lower than alternative options.
WHAT SCHOOLS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR THE FUNDING?
Schools currently receiving targeted intervention through the Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence (RISE) programme are eligible for Connect the Classroom.
Eligible schools are contacted directly by the Department for Education. Funding is then available where the school’s existing Wi-Fi network falls below the DfE’s required connectivity standards.
The DfE’s latest published list includes 458 schools receiving targeted RISE intervention nationally. The list was updated on 17 July 2026, although the underlying school data is stated as correct as of 22 May 2026.
Has your school been contacted?
Clarion can help assess your existing network against the DfE standards and guide you through the technical, procurement and funding process.
WHY WORK WITH CLARION?
The Clarion team provide clear, expert guidance across a wide range of ICT, network and telecoms solutions. As a result, we have a strong track record of helping schools upgrade their Wi-Fi, LAN and security infrastructure.
- Over 25 years’ experience supporting UK schools with ICT and network modernisation
- Trusted by more than 700 UK schools, colleges and multi-academy trusts
- A proven record of helping academic institutions identify the most effective IT, network and telecoms solutions
- All recommendations aligned with Clarion’s sustainability commitments
- Support that helps schools strengthen their own CSR and environmental credentials
- Partnerships with leading DfE-aligned network, voice and IT suppliers across the UK
In addition, we help schools manage the admin, evidence gathering and documentation required for Connect the Classroom funding. This ensures the process stays simple, compliant and stress-free.
LET CLARION GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE PROCESS
Engagement – Initial contact with DfE
Assessment – Submit a network asset form and fill out a survey
Procurement – Select your preferred supplier & cost matrix
Funding – If approved, DfE give the school a funding agreement
Delivery – Schedule works with your chosen supplier
Finalisation – Submit any cost changes to DfE
Claim – Submit an invoice for the works and DfE will channel payment through the responsible body
-
Madeley Academy
"Clarion provided the Academy with quality products, both quickly and with attentive Customer Service throughout. A great company to deal with." -
IT Network Manager, Rutlish School
"Clarion were outstanding from planning to set up and implementation. The team delivered a 1st Class platform in record time. I have never seen a system be adopted by our staff as well as this. Hats off...Amazing!"
-
Head Teacher, Moorfield School
“We’ve seen a 100% improvement in WiFi reliability"
"Clarion provided the Academy with quality products, both quickly and with attentive Customer Service throughout. A great company to deal with."
"Clarion were outstanding from planning to set up and implementation. The team delivered a 1st Class platform in record time. I have never seen a system be adopted by our staff as well as this. Hats off...Amazing!"
Q & A:
1. Who is eligible for Connect the Classroom funding?
Eligibility is typically based on whether a school is in an Education Investment Area or has been rated “Requires Improvement” or “Inadequate” in its most recent Ofsted inspection. Clarion can help confirm eligibility quickly.
2. How do schools apply for Connect the Classroom funding?
You cannot apply directly — the DfE contacts eligible schools or responsible bodies. Once contacted, schools can work with a delivery partner like Clarion to scope, design and deliver their upgrade.
3. What does Connect the Classroom funding cover?
The programme funds eligible improvements to Wi-Fi access points and network switches. The exact scope must be agreed and must meet the DfE’s specifications. For a new or replacement wireless solution, the current core standard specifies Wi-Fi 7 as the minimum.
4. What is the recommended deadline for submitting Connect the Classroom claims?
Several sector partners advise a recommended backstop of 27 February 2026 for submitting final claims for the current phase. Schools should plan projects early to avoid delays.
5. Does Connect the Classroom funding end in 2026?
The DfE confirms funding for the 2025–26 financial year, but has not publicly stated that the programme stops afterwards. Further phases may be announced via GOV.UK.
6. Is Clarion an approved supplier for Connect the Classroom?
Clarion has extensive experience delivering DfE-aligned Wi-Fi and LAN upgrades for more than 500 UK schools, supporting everything from design to installation and documentation.
7. What are the benefits of Connect the Classroom for schools?
Schools gain modern Wi-Fi, secure networks, improved reliability, faster access for pupils and staff, and infrastructure that meets DfE digital standards — fully funded.
8. How long does a Connect the Classroom project take?
Timelines vary by school size and complexity, but many responsible bodies recommend starting early so all work is completed well ahead of the February 2026 claims window.
9. Can multi-academy trusts complete several Connect the Classroom projects at once?
Yes. MATs often coordinate upgrades across schools, and Clarion supports multi-site planning, documentation and delivery.
10. What paperwork is required for Connect the Classroom funding?
Schools must provide design documents, installation evidence and completion reports. Clarion manages this process end-to-end to ensure smooth, compliant submission.
