What is Connect the Classroom?
The Connect the Classroom program by the UK Department for Education (DFE) provides high-speed broadband to schools in England. Launched in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, it aims to improve access to digital education resources, support remote teaching and learning, and bridge the digital divide. The program helps ensure that all students have access to high-quality education.
Where does Ebuyer fit in?
We can provide no-obligation advice, an on-site visit, and supply all the infrastructure, hardware, and software you need to get maximum value from your CTC funding.
We will visit your school and perform a FREE site survey to review your current infrastructure and whether a more efficient and futureproof system can be implemented. Ebuyer can supply all software and equipment needed to upgrade your system and we are partners with the biggest tech suppliers including Aruba, Cisco Meraki, and Cambium Networks.
Once your grant is secured, we’ll assign a dedicated member of our Solutions Team to create a bespoke procurement plan for your school.
Remember – upgrading to the latest wireless technology provides high speed connectivity, ultra-reliability, and a much more secure network leading to an improved classroom experience for students and teachers.
The Process
Eligibility
Onboarding
Procurement
Grant Award
Completion
1. Eligibility
Your school will be contacted by the government’s Department for Education (DFE) if you meet the correct criteria for the Connect the Classroom programme. Please see the priority investment areas map below
Priority investment areas for Connect the Classroom
- Blackpool
- Bradford
- Derby
- Doncaster
- Fenlands and East Cambridge
- Halton
- Hartlepool
- Hastings
- Ipswich
- Knowsely
- Liverpool
- Middlesbrough
- North Yorkshire Coast
- Norwich
- Nottingham
- Oldham
- Portsmouth
- Rochdale
- Salford
- Sandwell
- Stoke-on-Trent
- Tameside
- Walsall
- West Somerset
- Blackpool
- Bradford
- Derby
- Doncaster
- Fenlands and East Cambridge
- Halton
- Hartlepool
- Hastings
- Ipswich
- Knowsely
- Liverpool
- Middlesbrough
- North Yorkshire Coast
- Norwich
- Nottingham
- Oldham
- Portsmouth
- Rochdale
- Salford
- Sandwell
- Stoke-on-Trent
- Tameside
- Walsall
- West Somerset
2. Onboarding
Once approved for the scheme the onboarding process begins. Your school will receive a procurement pack to help you through the process and to choose a supplier.
3. Procurement
The supplier (Ebuyer) will visit the school and complete a technical evaluation. This survey looks at your schools existing infrastructure and determines the best way to install the new solution. Ebuyer will then complete a cost matrix which details the full costs of the new equipment and installation.
4. Grant Award
Once the cost matrix and proposed solution is approved by the DfE the school will receive a letter confirming the amount of funding.
5. Completion
The agreed solution will be installed and fully tested before being handed over to you. Rest assured any work will be completed with as little disruption to the school as possible.
Haven't been contacted?
Don’t worry The Department of Education will contact your school if you are eligible for the programme
