Web link: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/meeting-digital-and-technology-standards-in-schools-and-colleges/broadband-internet-standards-for-schools-and-colleges

​

​

From: Department for Education

Published 23 March 2022

​

Broadband internet standards for schools and colleges

​

Find out what standards your school or college should meet on connection type, connection speed, resilience and safeguarding.

​

Schools and colleges should use a full fibre connection for their broadband service, Importance of meeting the standard

​

Full fibre services provide the capacity and speed needed for effective use of online learning tools.

Getting the fastest speed you can afford has a wide range of benefits including:

• enabling teachers to have the confidence to make full use of online resources as integral parts of teaching and learning

• saving money by using cloud-based solutions instead of on-site technical infrastructure, products or services – for example VOIP telephony

Full fibre services provide flexibility to future proof schools and colleges as demand for internet services increases.

​

When to meet the standard

​

You should be looking to implement this standard as soon as you can. This is usually at the end of any existing contract term or as soon as full fibre is available.

Ensure that any new contracts or contract extensions using other non-full fibre connection types provide the opportunity to change to fibre services as soon as possible when they become available.

​

How to meet the standard

​

You should ask your supplier or in-house support team to investigate the availability of full fibre broadband services and speeds.

Primary schools should have a minimum 100Mbps download speed and a minimum of 30Mbps upload speed.

Secondary schools, all-through schools and further education colleges should have a connection with the capacity to deliver 1Gbps download and upload speed.

​

Technical requirements to meet the standard

​

Broadband should be provided using a full fibre connection.

Full fibre connections are sometimes described as:

• a leased line

• fibre to the premises (FTTP)

Note: copper connections, while widely used in schools at present, do not meet this standard.

​

Dependencies to the standard

​

The speed of your internet services may vary depending on your:

• internal network cabling and switches

• internal network equipment such as routers and wireless access points

See our other standards on wireless networks, cabling and switches.

​

Schools and colleges should have a backup broadband connection to ensure resilience and maintain continuity of service, Hide

Importance of meeting the standard

​

With increasing reliance on internet-based services, broadband internet is an essential service. You should ensure that appropriate measures are in place to mitigate against a single point of failure.

​

When to meet the standard

​

Resilient services should be implemented alongside, or as soon as possible after a new connection is installed.

 

How to meet the standard

​

You should investigate which backup internet services are available and implement appropriate systems.

Your broadband provider will be able to advise on possible solutions and costs.

​

Technical requirements to meet the standard

​

This standard requires a combination of the following:

• multiple broadband connection services (of different service types)

• multiple routers and appropriate associated router programming to provide automatic failover to backup services as and when required

• redundant power options on core active network equipment

• ​

Schools and colleges should have appropriate IT security and safeguarding systems in place, under both child and data protection legislation, Hide

Importance of meeting the standard

​

It’s essential that children are safeguarded from potentially harmful and inappropriate online material. An effective whole school and college approach to online safety empowers a school or college to protect and educate students, and staff in their use of technology. It establishes ways to identify, intervene in, and escalate any concerns where appropriate.

​

How Localcom Can Support Your School:

 

Localcom is dedicated to helping schools optimize their performance and meet government recommendations. Our support spans four main areas:

1. Connectivity:

   • Assessment and Upgrade: We evaluate your current internet and network infrastructure, identifying areas that may need improvement or upgrades to ensure robust, high-speed, and reliable connectivity.

   • Future-proofing: We recommend technologies and configurations that can scale with your needs, preparing your school for future demands such as increased online learning or the integration of advanced educational technologies.

2. Communications:

   • Unified Communication Systems: We can streamline your internal and external communication channels, integrating phone systems, video conferencing, and other communication tools into a unified platform.

   • Security and Compliance: Ensuring all communication methods meet security standards and comply with data protection regulations, safeguarding student and staff information.

3. ICT Hardware:

   • Assessment and Procurement: We help assess your current hardware setup and recommend the latest technologies that suit your educational needs, including computers, tablets, smartboards, and more.

   • Deployment and Maintenance: From setting up new hardware to maintaining existing systems, we provide comprehensive support to keep your technology running smoothly.

Localcom offers a tailored approach, starting with a full review of your current systems and challenges. Our experts visit your site, discuss your plans, and provide actionable advice to help your school meet educational and operational goals.

Contact Localcom Today: Reach out to us for a comprehensive review and personalized plan to enhance your school's infrastructure and technology. Together, we can build a more connected, efficient, and future-ready educational environment.

​

​