Schools have until 2030 to meet six digital standards. The funding is available now, and most schools are not using it.
The DfE has committed £45 million in 2025 to 2026 to improve school connectivity, with a further push through the Connect the Classroom scheme. More than 3,700 schools have already upgraded. An estimated 1,000 more are eligible this year and have not yet claimed.
Every state school and college in England is now required, under the Academy Trust Handbook updated in September 2025, to demonstrate that it is working toward meeting six core digital and technology standards by 2030. The standards cover broadband internet, wireless networks, network switching, digital leadership and governance, filtering and monitoring, and cybersecurity. They are not optional recommendations. For academy trusts, compliance is now a formal expectation under the terms of their funding agreement, with the requirement framed explicitly in the updated handbook. Details of the st