Questions & answers
School broadband questions answered
Short answers, each linked to the guide with the detail and the sources.
Standards & safeguarding
What broadband speed does a primary school need?
DfE’s broadband internet standard says primary schools should have at least 100 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, over full fibre. It’s a standard to work towards by 2030, not a legal requirement. You can compare it with your own estimate in our bandwidth estimator.
More detail: The broadband internet standard: speeds, fibre and a backup line
And a secondary school?
DfE says secondary and all-through schools (and further education colleges) should have capacity for 1 Gbps download and upload, over full fibre.
More detail: The broadband internet standard: speeds, fibre and a backup line
How often must filtering and monitoring be reviewed?
KCSIE 2026 says at least once every academic year. The review is led by the senior leader responsible, with the designated safeguarding lead and IT support, and the checks are recorded.
More detail: Filtering and monitoring: your duties under KCSIE 2026
Is there an official “Mbps per pupil” figure?
Not in current DfE or Hwb guidance. DfE sets speeds per school; the Welsh standard says bandwidth should match the school’s size and use. That’s why our estimator leaves the per-user box for you to fill in.
More detail: The broadband internet standard: speeds, fibre and a backup line
Is FTTC or copper broadband good enough?
Not for the DfE standard: “copper connections do not meet this standard.” In Wales, even FTTP-type services are “generally unsuitable”, except for schools with fewer than 50 learners where dedicated services aren’t available.
More detail: The broadband internet standard: speeds, fibre and a backup line
Are the DfE standards compulsory?
The six core standards are targets to work towards by 2030. Filtering, monitoring and cyber security are different: KCSIE places statutory duties on schools, and the standards describe DfE’s recommended way to meet them.
More detail: The DfE digital and technology standards, explained
What must our filtering block?
DfE says the IWF and CTIRU blocklists must be applied and must not be overridable by anyone, administrators included. Filtering should also block harmful and inappropriate content without unreasonably affecting teaching and learning.
More detail: Filtering and monitoring: your duties under KCSIE 2026
What is the free NCSC protective DNS?
PDNS for Schools is a free, centrally funded service from the NCSC. Your DNS provider — your local authority, school internet provider, or the trust itself — registers through MyNCSC.
More detail: Cyber security for school networks
Buying & funding
How should we buy broadband?
In England, DfE advises using DfE-approved buying options through its free Get help buying for schools service. Connectivity frameworks listed there include YPO’s network connectivity and telecommunication solutions (to 17 March 2027) and CPC’s communications solutions (to 15 December 2026) — check the current expiry dates.
More detail: How to buy broadband for a school in England
Is Crown Commercial Service still a thing?
Crown Commercial Service became the Government Commercial Agency (GCA) on 1 April 2026. GCA says existing frameworks, contracts and call-offs remain valid.
More detail: How to buy broadband for a school in England
Who pays for wifi upgrades?
Connect the Classroom has £325 million for the 2025 to 2030 financial years. DfE contacts eligible schools directly — currently those in the RISE programme that fall below the wifi standards — and they buy from their own supplier. Check gov.uk for current eligibility.
More detail: Funding: Connect the Classroom and other programmes
Resilience & the network
Do we need a second line?
DfE’s broadband standard includes a backup connection: more than one connection, of different types, with automatic failover — set up with a new connection or as soon as possible afterwards.
More detail: Backup broadband: keeping the school online when a line fails
What does the copper switch-off mean for schools?
Openreach says traditional phone lines go digital on 31 January 2027. DfE asks schools to audit every copper line — including alarms, lift lines, door entry, card machines and backup broadband — and plan replacements with battery backup in mind. ATA ports on fibre routers aren’t suitable for alarms.
More detail: The copper switch-off: what it means for schools
Across the UK
We’re in Wales. Can we choose our own internet provider?
The Hwb standard says PSBA should be the default. Leaving needs a clear business case, and the school must first inform the Welsh Government through its local authority.
More detail: School broadband in Wales: Hwb standards and PSBA
What about Scotland and Northern Ireland?
Scottish councils arrange school connectivity, many through the SWAN framework. In Northern Ireland, grant-aided schools get connectivity through the Education Authority’s C2k service, and DE has asked schools using non-C2k broadband to review it.
More detail: School broadband in Scotland: councils and SWAN