DfE-Compliant Wi-Fi & Network Infrastructure Upgrades for Schools and Trusts
Build the Digital Foundation for Teaching and Learning
The Department for Education's Connect the Classroom programme is helping schools improve wireless connectivity, upgrade ageing infrastructure and create reliable digital learning environments that support modern teaching. Schools selected by the DfE can receive funding to improve Wi-Fi networks, switching infrastructure and associated connectivity services where existing provision falls below the required standards.
Oakford helps schools, academies and Multi Academy Trusts design, procure, implement and support Connect the Classroom projects from initial assessment through to completed deployment.
With over 20 years of experience supporting UK education, our engineers deliver future-ready networks that improve reliability, support safeguarding requirements and align with wider DfE Digital and Technology Standards.
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Why Schools Choose Oakford
Education-Focused Network Specialists
Our team designs and supports large-scale wireless and network infrastructures specifically for educational environments, including primary schools, secondary schools, special schools and Multi Academy Trusts.
Complete Project Delivery
From wireless surveys and infrastructure audits through to installation, testing and support, Oakford provides a fully managed service with a single point of accountability.
DfE Standards Expertise
We work closely with schools to ensure infrastructure complies with current DfE connectivity requirements covering Wi-Fi coverage, management, resilience and security.
Enterprise-Class Solutions
We deploy robust wireless and network solutions from leading manufacturers including Aruba, HPE and other enterprise vendors appropriate for education environments.
Minimal Disruption
Installations are planned around the school day and holiday periods wherever possible to minimise impact on teaching and learning.
Beyond the Project
Unlike many installers, Oakford can continue to provide managed support, monitoring, broadband, safeguarding and strategic ICT consultancy long after deployment is complete.
What's Included?
Network & Wireless Assessment
We begin by reviewing your existing infrastructure against DfE standards and school requirements.
This includes:
- Wireless coverage assessment
- Network switch review
- Cabling inspection
- Broadband capacity review
- Security assessment
- Existing infrastructure lifecycle planning
Wireless Network Design
A high-performance wireless network should provide reliable coverage across every teaching space.
Our solutions include:
- Full site wireless surveys
- Capacity planning
- Classroom density modelling
- Outdoor coverage where required
- Centralised wireless management
- Secure guest and BYOD access
- Management reporting and monitoring
The result is seamless connectivity for staff, students and visitors throughout the school / campus.
Network Switching Upgrades
Many schools discover that ageing switching infrastructure limits wireless performance.
Oakford can provide:
- Core switch upgrades
- Edge switch upgrades
- PoE switching for access points
- Multi-gigabit connectivity
- VLAN design and implementation
- Network segmentation
- High-availability architectures
Our solutions are designed to support future growth, cloud services and increasing device numbers.
Structured Cabling
Reliable cabling remains the foundation of every modern school network.
We deliver:
- Cat6 and Cat6A installations
- Fibre optic infrastructure
- Cabinet upgrades
- Network containment systems
- Certification and testing
- Documentation and asset records
Cyber Security & Safeguarding
Connectivity must be secure as well as fast.
Oakford can combine your Connect the Classroom project with:
- Managed firewalls
- Secure remote access
- Filtering and monitoring solutions
- Multi-factor authentication
- Network access control
- Cyber Essentials support
- Security monitoring and reporting
This helps schools align technical improvements with safeguarding responsibilities and DfE guidance.
Supporting DfE Digital & Technology Standards
Connect the Classroom forms part of a wider programme to improve technology across the education sector.
Oakford can help schools assess and plan against wider DfE standards including:
- Broadband connectivity
- Wireless networks
- Network switching
- Cyber security
- Filtering and monitoring
- Digital leadership and governance
- Cloud services
- Disaster recovery and backup
Rather than treating the project as a simple Wi-Fi replacement, we help schools build a practical technology roadmap that supports learning outcomes and long-term investment.
Schools Eligible for Connect the Classroom Funding
Eligible schools are contacted directly by the Department for Education. Funding is targeted at schools whose existing wireless infrastructure does not meet required standards and who meet the programme eligibility criteria. Schools are responsible for procuring suppliers and implementing solutions that meet DfE specifications.
If your school has received notification from the DfE, Oakford can guide you through the assessment, design, procurement and delivery process.
Why Modern Connectivity Matters
A modern school network enables:
- Reliable access to cloud learning platforms
- Support for one-to-one device programmes
- Improved safeguarding systems
- Better classroom collaboration
- Faster access to digital resources
- Reduced technical disruption
- Greater reliability for staff and students
- Future readiness for emerging technologies
Independent evaluation of the programme found that improved connectivity helps schools make more effective use of technology, improve user experience and reduce barriers to teaching and learning. Read the DfE evaluation.
Talk to Oakford
Whether your school has been selected for Connect the Classroom funding or you are planning wider infrastructure improvements, Oakford can help.
Our education specialists will assess your existing environment, identify opportunities for improvement and design a scalable solution aligned to your school's objectives and budget.
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