The Department for Education has reopened its Connect the Classroom (CTC) funding programme for 2025 – and this time, it’s focused exclusively on RISE schools.
If your school is eligible, this is a golden opportunity to fully fund your next network infrastructure upgrade. But with limited windows for site surveys and planning, time is already running short.
What is Connect the Classroom?
CTC is a DfE initiative designed to help schools upgrade outdated digital infrastructure. Funding covers everything from:
- Wi-Fi access points and switching
- Cabling and comms cabinets
This round of funding is open to schools in RISE (Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence) areas, as defined by the DfE. Schools in these regions should already have received guidance – but the real challenge is turning that guidance into action.
Why act now?
The funding is there – but to take advantage, you need to:
✅ Confirm your eligibility
✅ Get a DfE-compliant site survey completed
✅ Submit a fully scoped network proposal
And all of that needs to happen well before the new school year begins. Surveys are best completed during the summer holidays while sites are quiet, so that upgrades can be scheduled with minimal disruption.
Why Glide?
At Glide, we’ve helped schools across the UK navigate the CTC process with ease. We know the ins and outs of DfE requirements, and we’re here to take the stress out of every step.
When you partner with Glide, you get:
✅ A free, no-obligation site survey
✅ A fully managed DfE-compliant proposal
✅ End-to-end support – from application to install
✅ Enhanced service levels during exam periods
✅ Network solutions aligned to safeguarding (KCSIE), cybersecurity and operational resilience
We’re trusted by schools, MATs and local authorities nationwide – and we’re proud to be:
- A top 10 UK Internet Service Provider
- A top-tier partner of Fortinet (firewalls) and Smoothwall (safeguarding)
- Backed by 35+ years of experience in education connectivity
Don’t let the clock run out
RISE schools have a unique window of opportunity. But planning takes time – and the best outcomes start with a simple step: booking your site survey.
We’re here to help make the process painless.
Call us on 03455 911 311
Email: education@glide.co.uk
Glide – empowering educators, safeguarding futures.