UK schools to benefit as GBP £25 million boosts digital networks
NETGEAR is encouraging UK schools to take up the reintroduced Connect the Classroom initiative, offering guidance and solutions for network infrastructure upgrades.
Funding opportunity
The UK government has relaunched the Connect the Classroom programme, allocating GBP £25 million to enhance digital infrastructure in schools. This funding aims to boost connectivity and foster long-term improvements to teaching and learning environments. NETGEAR is positioning its network solutions and expertise to help educational institutions take full advantage of the available resources.
As educational establishments increasingly rely on digital resources, NETGEAR stresses the need for holistic, secure, and manageable networking infrastructure. The company says it is simplifying procurement and deployment processes for schools under the new initiative.
"We are at an exciting turning point for digital infrastructure in schools. With Connect the Classroom funding back on the table and the peak education buying season approaching, this strategy couldn't come at a better time," says Jordan Hobday, Country Manager for NETGEAR for Business UK&I. "Patchwork networks and bolt-on upgrades simply don't cut it anymore. Schools require holistic, AI-powered solutions that are secure, scalable, and easy to manage – and we are delivering exactly that."
Networking for education
Many schools in the UK continue to experience issues with legacy networking systems, which may present risks such as connectivity outages and cyber vulnerability. NETGEAR asserts its product portfolio addresses these challenges by offering cloud-managed and AI-enhanced solutions. The company's NETGEAR Insight platform provides features such as real-time monitoring, AI-based threat detection, smart automation, Multi Pre-Shared Key, Single Sign-On, two-factor authentication, and secure VPN access. According to NETGEAR, this system allows educational institutions to operate and secure their networks from a single interface without the need for dedicated IT staff on campus.
Hobday states:
"Schools don't need complicated systems packed with features they'll never use, nor do they need costly solutions that strain already tight budgets. NETGEAR is delivering exactly what schools require: secure, scalable, and reliable networking solutions that are simple to deploy and manage – without unnecessary add-ons, complex licences, or hidden costs. These solutions are designed to meet both today's and tomorrow's needs, giving schools the confidence to embrace the next wave of digital learning."
Assisting with funding and compliance
NETGEAR's approach includes working closely with schools to help them through the Connect the Classroom funding process. The company notes its commitment to ensuring compliance with Department for Education technical standards, while remaining focused on cost-efficiency and maximising long-term return on investment. To meet increased demand prompted by the government funding, NETGEAR is expanding its UK presence by bringing new education resellers on board during the peak procurement period.
Demonstrated impact
NETGEAR reports that its technology is already in place in a number of UK schools. One highlighted example is The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA), where the NETGEAR Total Network Solution has been deployed across two buildings and six storeys. The installation comprises more than 150 wireless access points, supporting around 1,000 students and over 700 devices, enabling reliable operation for activities ranging from theatre productions to connected IoT systems.
The company is aiming to ensure that Connect the Classroom investments provide lasting improvements to the learning environment. According to NETGEAR, by aligning reliable networking hardware with sector-specific expertise, educational institutions can create resilient learning spaces equipped for evolving digital requirements.
