Connect the Classroom

Vital York Limited > Connect the Classroom
Build a stronger digital foundation for teaching and learning

Connect the Classroom

The Department for Educationโ€™s Connect the Classroom programme is helping eligible schools improve Wi-Fi connectivity and network infrastructure. At Vital York, we help schools and trusts navigate the process with confidence. From funding guidance and planning through to delivery, support, and long-term digital strategy.

We can help you ‘Connect the Classroom’

Reliable connectivity is no longer a โ€˜nice to haveโ€™. It underpins everything from classroom learning and safeguarding systems to cloud platforms, collaboration tools, and day-to-day operations.

We work alongside schools as a trusted education IT partner, helping reduce complexity, minimise workload, and create future-ready environments that support both staff and pupils.

Trusted by schools and multi-academy trusts to deliver human-first IT support and digital transformation.

What is ‘Connect the Classroom’

Connect the Classroom is a government-funded programme designed to improve Wi-Fi connectivity in schools through upgraded wireless infrastructure and network improvements.

The programme forms part of the Department for Educationโ€™s wider commitment to narrowing the digital divide and supporting modern digital learning environments. You can explore this more in the recent DfE report summary.

Eligible schools can receive funding to improve wireless coverage, increase reliability, strengthen network security, and ensure their infrastructure can support modern teaching and learning technologies.

Reliable Wi-Fi across school buildings

Improved digital learning experiences

Secure, centrally managed networks

Infrastructure ready for future growth

Reliable Wi-Fi across school buildings

Improved digital learning experiences

Secure, centrally managed networks

Infrastructure ready for future growth

Could your school be eligible?

Schools currently receiving targeted intervention through the Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence (RISE) programme may be eligible for Connect the Classroom funding.

The Department for Education contacts eligible schools directly where current connectivity falls below required standards.

DfE standards include:

  • Strong and reliable Wi-Fi coverage throughout the school
  • Centrally managed wireless networking
  • Modern wireless standards
  • Secure network access and protection

If youโ€™ve received communication from the DfE, or think your school may benefit from improved connectivity, our team can help you understand the next steps and make the process simpler to manage.

Why partner with Vital York?

At Vital York, we work solely in the education sector. We understand schools and have decades of experience as a trusted IT partner.

Our skilled team understands the challenges faced by schools, academies and MATs and we work with our customers to find the best solutions for them. Our customer service is second to none and we believe in working as a partner not just a provider.

That means we donโ€™t just install technology. We help schools make confident, practical decisions that support teaching and learning long-term.

Schools need more than technical expertise. They need a partner who understands education, communicates clearly, and supports long-term success.

At Vital York, we pride ourselves on building trusted relationships with schools and trusts, helping leaders feel confident in their technology decisions while reducing pressure on internal teams.

Whether youโ€™re exploring Connect the Classroom funding or planning wider digital transformation projects, weโ€™re here to help make the process simple, clear and more manageable.

At Vital York, we promise:

Human-first support
Friendly, education-focused team who work collaboratively with schools and trusts.

Fully managed delivery
From planning and procurement support through to implementation and ongoing support.

Strategic digital transformation
We help schools think beyond connectivity, supporting cloud adoption, device strategies, cybersecurity, and future digital development.

Reduced workload
Clear communication, project management, and expert guidance that reduces pressure on internal teams.

Trust and MAT experience
Experienced in supporting both individual schools and wider trust-wide digital strategies.

A partner schools can rely on.

Getting you connected

How we support your
Connect the Classroom journey

Step 1 โ€” Initial conversation

Weโ€™ll help you understand eligibility, funding guidance, and what the programme could mean for your school or trust.

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Step 2 โ€” Review & assessment

Our team reviews your current infrastructure, coverage, and future requirements.

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Step 3 โ€” Planning & proposal

We develop practical recommendations aligned to DfE standards and your wider digital strategy.

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Step 4 โ€” Delivery & implementation

From project management to installation and testing, we manage the process collaboratively with your team.

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Step 5 โ€” Ongoing support

We continue supporting your school beyond implementation as part of your wider digital journey.

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Read how we worked with TP-Link to Connect the Classroom at Osbaldwick Primary Academy in York.

Ready to connect?

If your school or trust is exploring Connect the Classroom funding, weโ€™d be happy to help you understand the next steps.

All you need to do is complete this form and a member of our team will be in touch.