The global leader in secure, cloud-managed network solutions, NETGEAR, is helping UK schools take full advantage of the newly relaunched Connect the Classroom (CtC) initiative. With £25 million of government funding now available to upgrade school network infrastructure, NETGEAR’s proven connectivity solutions together with its deep expertise in the education sector will provide schools with a smarter, more secure, and future-ready path to digital transformation.
Connect the Classroom is a UK government initiative aimed at improving connectivity and embedding long-term innovation in teaching and learning. In line with the programme relaunch, NETGEAR will simplify procurement, deployment, and support, ensuring that schools rapidly benefit from enterprise-grade networking, without enterprise-level complexity or costs.
“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.”
Smart, Secure Networking Purpose-Built for Education
Many schools still struggle with fragmented, legacy networks that leave them vulnerable to cyberattacks and connectivity failures. NETGEAR’s enterprise-grade solutions, including NETGEAR Insight – a cloud-managed platform with real-time monitoring, AI-based threat detection, and smart automation – are purpose-built to address this. Key features such as Multi Pre-Shared Key, Single Sign-On, two-factor authentication, and secure VPN access enable schools to manage WiFi access points, switches, and mobile hotspots from a single, centralised console – without the need for on-site IT teams.
“Schools don’t need complicated systems packed with features they’ll never use, nor do they need costly solutions that strain already tight budgets,” says Hobday. “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.”
NETGEAR is working closely with schools to navigate the CtC funding process, ensuring compliance with DfE technical standards while maximising cost-efficiency and long-term ROI. This move also reflects a significant expansion of NETGEAR’s UK channel strategy, with several new education resellers onboarded to meet the surge in demand during the summer buying season.
Proven Success in UK Schools
NETGEAR’s expertise in education is already delivering tangible results in schools across the UK.
At The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA), NETGEAR’s future-proof Total Network Solution – deployed across two buildings and six storeys, with over 150 wireless access points – supports around 1,000 students and over 700 devices, providing reliable connectivity for everything from theatre productions to IoT systems.
With a clear focus on long-term impact, NETGEAR is helping to ensure that Connect the Classroom funding leads to lasting transformation. By combining world-class networking technology with proven expertise, they are empowering schools to create truly resilient learning environments and unlock the full potential of education in the digital age.