Running a college or university? Broadband for Education
Key figures
The speeds, dates and deadlines that matter when you buy internet connectivity for a school — each with where it applies and its official source.
2030
Schools and colleges should be working towards the core standards by 2030. Filtering, monitoring and cyber security are different: they support statutory duties under KCSIE.
Source: DfE: Meeting digital and technology standards in schools and colleges
Checked 25 October 2026
at least 100 Mbps
Over full fibre (a leased line or FTTP). The standard pairs it with at least 30 Mbps upload.
Source: DfE: Broadband internet core standard
Checked 25 October 2026
capacity for 1 Gbps
The standard says capacity for 1 Gbps download and upload, over full fibre. It applies to further education colleges too.
Source: DfE: Broadband internet core standard
Checked 25 October 2026
31 January 2027
Alarms, lift lines, door entry and card machines on copper lines need checking before then. Lines not moved in time may go onto Openreach’s EVAc service.
Source: Openreach: Upgrading the UK to digital phone lines · DfE: Prepare your education estate for the PSTN and ISDN switch-off
Checked 25 October 2026
at least 30 Mbps
Source: DfE: Broadband internet core standard
Checked 25 October 2026
capacity for 1 Gbps
Source: DfE: Broadband internet core standard
Checked 25 October 2026
“copper connections do not meet this standard”
The connection should be full fibre: a leased line or fibre to the premises (FTTP).
Source: DfE: Broadband internet core standard
Checked 25 October 2026
A second connection of a different type, with automatic failover
DfE’s examples are a leased line with FTTP, or FTTP with low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite, plus redundant power on core network equipment. Put it in alongside a new connection, or as soon as possible afterwards.
Source: DfE: Broadband internet core standard
Checked 25 October 2026
1 September 2026
Statutory guidance: schools and colleges must have regard to it. The filtering and monitoring paragraphs are 173 to 177.
Source: Keeping children safe in education (collection page) · Keeping children safe in education 2026 (PDF)
Checked 25 October 2026
at least once every academic year
Led by the senior leader responsible, with the designated safeguarding lead and IT support, and recorded.
Source: Keeping children safe in education 2026 (PDF) · DfE: Filtering and monitoring core standard
Checked 25 October 2026
at least Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
Meet it when upgrading an underperforming or unsupported wireless network.
Source: DfE: Wireless network core standard
Checked 25 October 2026
at least 1 Gbps
With multi-gigabit ports for servers, media devices and wireless access points.
Source: DfE: Network switching core standard
Checked 25 October 2026
at least 2 × 10 Gbps
On different routes where possible.
Source: DfE: Network switching core standard
Checked 25 October 2026
at least 5 years
Including firmware updates. Replace equipment that no longer gets firmware and security updates.
Source: DfE: Network switching core standard
Checked 25 October 2026
within 14 days of release
CVSS v3.1 score of 7.0 or above, or no rating given. DfE security instructions should be applied within 5 working days.
Source: DfE: Cyber security core standard
Checked 25 October 2026
3 copies, on 2 separate devices, 1 off-site
Backups should be immutable and tested termly, including a restore.
Source: DfE: Cyber security core standard
Checked 25 October 2026
within 72 hours
Source: DfE: Cyber security core standard
Checked 25 October 2026
£325 million
For wifi access points and network switches. It follows £215 million invested between 2021 and 2025. DfE contacts eligible schools directly — check gov.uk for current eligibility.
Source: DfE: Connect the Classroom
Checked 25 October 2026
500 Gb/s
High-capacity, resilient transit, funded through DfE support for Janet services to schools.
Source: Jisc: Janet IP connection
Checked 25 October 2026
1 April 2026
Existing CCS frameworks, contracts and call-offs remain valid.
Source: Government Commercial Agency: Crown Commercial Service
Checked 25 October 2026
17 July 2027
Lots 1c and 1d end on 22 May 2027.
Source: GCA: Network Services 3 (RM6116)
Checked 25 October 2026
99.9%
With guaranteed restoration within 6 hours if the service fails completely.
Source: Hwb: Connectivity (broadband) standards
Checked 25 October 2026
within 6 hours
Source: Hwb: Connectivity (broadband) standards
Checked 25 October 2026
fewer than 50 learners
Exceptions to the dedicated, symmetrical fibre standard may apply for these schools where dedicated services are unavailable.
Source: Hwb: Connectivity (broadband) standards
Checked 25 October 2026
up to £350 million over six years
Covering more than 6,000 sites and 94 public sector organisations, schools among them.
Source: SWAN: NSS awards £350 million SWAN contract to BT (October 2023)
Checked 25 October 2026
100 Mbps per 1,000 users short term; 1 Gbps per 1,000 users longer term
Shown for reference only. No current UK government source gives a per-pupil figure.
Source: US FCC: Summary of the E-rate Modernization Order
Checked 25 October 2026