SBS Connect the Classroom Support: Helping Schools Secure DfE Funding

The Department for Education’s Connect the Classroom programme is providing targeted funding to help eligible schools upgrade their digital infrastructure. For School Business Managers and senior leadership teams, however, accessing this funding can quickly become another complex administrative task in an already stretched workload.

At SBS, we support schools throughout the entire Connect the Classroom journey — from eligibility checks and funding applications to procurement, installation and delivery. Our goal is simple: to help schools secure the funding they need without adding unnecessary pressure to internal teams.

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The Growing Pressure on School Business Teams

School business professionals are balancing more responsibilities than ever before. Alongside financial management and operational oversight, schools are now navigating:

• Increased digital compliance requirements
• New government initiatives and funding schemes
• Higher expectations around connectivity and online learning
• Limited internal ICT capacity and expertise

At the same time, reliable network infrastructure has become essential for teaching, assessment and safeguarding systems. This combination of rising demand and limited capacity makes it increasingly difficult for schools to manage large ICT projects independently.

Making the Most of Connect the Classroom Funding

The DfE Connect the Classroom initiative represents a significant investment in school digital infrastructure and demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving connectivity across education settings.

For schools receiving targeted intervention through the RISE programme, this funding creates a valuable opportunity to upgrade networks, improve performance and future-proof digital learning environments.

To make the most of this opportunity, schools need to understand the programme requirements and plan effectively. Key areas to consider include:

• Confirming eligibility and funding criteria
• Working within application timescales
• Understanding technical standards and specifications
• Preparing supporting evidence and documentation
• Planning procurement and delivery timelines

With the right guidance in place, these steps become far more manageable — allowing schools to focus on securing funding and delivering high-quality infrastructure improvements.

SBS supports schools throughout this process, helping them move confidently from application to installation while minimising disruption and administrative workload.

Where Schools Lose Time and Capacity

Through our work with education settings, SBS consistently sees three main pressure points.

Determining whether a school qualifies for Connect the Classroom funding is not always straightforward. Understanding RISE programme status, funding criteria and application conditions requires time and careful interpretation.

SBS supports schools by quickly confirming eligibility and clarifying next steps — removing uncertainty early in the process.

Funding applications often require detailed information about a school’s existing network infrastructure and performance. This can include technical documentation and compliance evidence that schools may not have readily available.

Our team supports evidence preparation and documentation, reducing the administrative burden placed on school staff.

Connect the Classroom funding is aligned with DfE wireless network standards. Translating these technical requirements into suitable procurement decisions can be challenging without specialist knowledge.

SBS helps schools understand exactly what is required — ensuring solutions are compliant, cost-effective and future-ready.

How SBS Supports Schools End to End

SBS provides structured, education-focused ICT support that acts as an extension of the school team.

Funding Application Support

For RISE-eligible schools, SBS can:

• Confirm eligibility and funding criteria
• Support application preparation and evidence collection
• Guide schools through submission requirements
• Reduce internal workload and administrative pressure
  
  

Procurement Support

Once funding is approved, or for schools upgrading independently, we provide:

• Access to compliant, DfE-aligned network solutions
• Supplier sourcing and procurement management
• Best value purchasing with education sector expertise

 
Installation and Delivery

Working with trusted technical partners, SBS coordinates:

• Professional installation with minimal disruption
• Network optimisation and testing
• Full compliance with wireless infrastructure standards

This joined-up approach ensures schools receive reliable, high-quality network upgrades without needing to manage multiple suppliers and contractors.

The Real Impact for Schools

Schools that partner with SBS for Connect the Classroom projects benefit from:

• Reduced administrative workload for SBMs and leadership teams
• Faster project delivery timelines
• Improved compliance and reduced procurement risk
• Minimal disruption to teaching and learning
• Stronger, more reliable network performance

Most importantly, schools gain confidence that their infrastructure is aligned with national standards and ready to support modern digital learning.

Get Started with SBS Connect the Classroom Support

If your school is eligible for DfE Connect the Classroom funding, early engagement can make the process significantly smoother.

And if your school is not eligible through the RISE programme, SBS can still support network upgrades, procurement and installation to help you meet wireless infrastructure standards.

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Speak to SBS Today

Whether you are applying for Connect the Classroom funding or planning a wider ICT upgrade, SBS provides expert, education-focused support at every stage.

Get in touch today to find out how we can help your school secure funding, reduce admin burden and deliver reliable digital infrastructure with confidence.