The Department for Education is consulting on a strategy for all schools to meet a set of core digital standards by 2030 to narrow a technological divide.
The department has also announced a new £25 million investment in its ‘connect the classroom’ programme to improve internet speed in schools.
The education secretary has said she will not tolerate a system where some pupils benefit from effective technology while others are left “disconnected”.
About 1,000 schools are set to benefit from £45 million in total to help get classrooms online in a bid to narrow the digital divide in education. The remaining £20 million is the latest round of funding from a three-year pot announced in 2022 to complete the delivery of fibre upgrades to 833 schools.
Six core digital standards by 2030
A consultation has been launched to set six core digital standards for all schools by 2030 - including ensuring essential technology infrastructure and connectivity, as well as digital security.
The core standards outlined in the consultation, which will run for eight weeks, are broadband internet, wireless networks, network switches, digital leadership and governance, filtering and monitoring and cyber security.
Schools will be asked how ready they are to meet the six standards and what additional support they might need.
Education secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “I won’t tolerate a system where some children benefit from innovation whilst others are left disconnected, and I am determined to level the playing field.
“That means secure and accessible technology for every school and the right support for teachers and leaders to help us break the link between background and success as we deliver on our plan for change.”
Start of ‘all pupils having the same chance to benefit’
Pepe Di’Iasio, general secretary at the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), said: “It is clear that many schools lack the basic infrastructure they need to take advantage of these opportunities.
“We hope this investment signals an end to education technology developing in a piecemeal fashion and the start of all pupils having the same chance to benefit from this.”
Mr Di’Iasio added ASCL would like to see particular attention to additional support schools in more disadvantaged areas will need and staff training where necessary.
“It is important that plans to make digital standards a requirement for all schools do not add to the considerable workload and expectations already placed on school leaders,” he said.
Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the NAHT school leaders’ union, said: “The pressure on school budgets has made it increasingly difficult for them to keep up with the digital revolution.
“We therefore welcome this investment from the government and hope it is a sign of things to come. It is important the government continues to provide schools with the resources they need to meet these digital standards.”
£80m announced for solar panels
Today, the government has also announced £80 million to equip 200 schools with solar panels by the end of this summer.
As part of the first project of Great British Energy, schools have been selected based on their level of deprivation. Most solar panels will be in the North East, West Midlands and North West of the country, as well as at least ten schools across the remaining regions.
A school could save up to £25,000 per year through the panels, according to estimations by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. About 20 per cent of schools currently have solar panels.
Mr Whiteman said: “For many years, schools have been keen to lead the way when it comes to sustainable and greener energy. Some have already installed solar panels but most find it cost prohibitive. This announcement is therefore welcome and a step in the right direction.”
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