DfE-Funded Network Upgrades to Future-Proof Your School
Helping schools access Connect the Classroom funding to enable fast, secure and robust network access.
Been Contacted by the DfE? We can help!
What is Connect the Classroom?
Connect the Classroom is a Department for Education (DfE) programme that funds Wi-Fi and network upgrades for eligible schools in England.
The programme is helping eligible schools build faster, more reliable and secure network infrastructure to better support digital teaching, learning and day-to-day school operations.
£325 million of funding is available across the 2025–2030 financial years to extend the programme and improve connectivity in schools across England.
Is my school eligible?
Eligible schools are contacted directly by the DfE and, where their existing Wi-Fi provision falls below the required connectivity standards, can receive funding towards the necessary network improvements.
How Connect the Classroom Works
See what to expect at each stage and how Cheeky Munkey supports your school from planning through to completion.
STEP 1
DfE Contact
Selected schools are contacted by the DfE and asked to complete a Network Asset Form, providing details of their existing Wi‑Fi, switching and network infrastructure so their current provision can be assessed.
STEP 2
Eligibility Assessment
The DfE reviews the school's existing network against its connectivity standards and confirms whether the school can progress through Connect the Classroom.
STEP 3
Network Survey & Solution
Once your school is able to progress through the programme, Cheeky Munkey conducts a detailed site survey and develops a solution that meets your school’s requirements and DfE specifications.
STEP 4
Proposal & DfE Approval
Cheeky Munkey prepares the technical proposal and costings needed for DfE approval, helping you meet requirements and giving your submission the best chance of success.
STEP 5
Installation
Once approved, the network upgrade is scheduled and installed with disruption to the school kept to a minimum.
STEP 6
Completion & Funding
Following completion, the required documentation and invoices are submitted in line with the DfE funding process, completing your Connect the Classroom upgrade.
Why Upgrade Your School Network?
Reliable connectivity
Support large numbers of staff, students and devices without constant connectivity problems.
Fewer classroom disruptions
Reduce the impact of poor Wi-Fi, network bottlenecks and outages on teaching and learning.
Support digital learning
Give teachers and pupils faster and more reliable access to cloud platforms, online resources and digital tools.
A network built for the future
Create infrastructure capable of supporting the school's growing technology requirements.
Why Cheeky Munkey?
Education IT expertise · DfE-aligned solutions · End-to-end support
Experienced education IT support, clear guidance and a solution built around your school.
Choosing the right technology partner can make Connect the Classroom much easier to navigate.
Cheeky Munkey have extensive experience supporting schools with reliable, secure and future-ready IT infrastructure.
The team will guide you though every stage, from initial site survey and solution design through to DfE approval, installation and completion. We take the time to understand your school’s needs, keep you informed and develop a solution designed to meet both your requirements and DfE specifications.
FREE 12-month VideoLearning CPD subscription for your school
A little extra for your school
Mediamerge is working with Cheeky Munkey to help eligible schools navigate the Connect the Classroom programme and access the specialist support they need.
As part of this collaboration, schools completing a new Connect the Classroom upgrade with Cheeky Munkey will receive 12 months’ free access to VideoLearning CPD, courtesy of Mediamerge. *Terms and conditions apply.
VideoLearning gives teachers and school staff online access to classroom observation videos and professional development resources, including acclaimed lesson observations, evidence-based teaching content and supporting materials for staff training.
Used by schools, training providers, ITT centres and government bodies, VideoLearning makes it easier to deliver high-quality CPD whenever your team needs it.
12 months’ free access for your school at no additional cost.
* Offer applies to qualifying new Connect the Classroom projects introduced through Mediamerge. Excludes existing or completed projects and opportunities sourced independently by Cheeky Munkey.
Your Guide to Connect the Classroom Funding
Download a simple guide to Connect the Classroom funding, covering the DfE network requirements, the upgrade process and what your school can expect at each stage.
Ready to Improve Your School’s Network?
Complete the form or send us an email, and we’ll help you take the next step with your Connect the Classroom upgrade.
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