How to future-proof your school’s broadband

If your school or trust is planning to roll out new digital tools, expand cloud-based systems, or support more connected devices in the next academic year, now is the time to ask the question – Is our broadband ready for September?

Whether you're a primary school streamlining admin systems or a multi-academy trust scaling cloud-based services across multiple sites, your internet connection underpins it all. Yet, many schools wait until issues arise before addressing outdated or underpowered broadband.

Now is a great time to take a proactive approach to future-proof your school’s broadband before demand peaks and technical bottlenecks slow down progress.

As a DfE-approved procurement framework, we connect schools and trusts with experienced broadband providers who understand your requirements – from safeguarding compliance to supporting hybrid learning environments. We make it straightforward, efficient, and fully compliant to upgrade your connectivity before the new term begins.

Why broadband is no longer just an IT issue

Broadband is now as essential to a school’s functioning as electricity or heating. It powers everything from teaching and learning platforms to safeguarding systems and staff collaboration tools. What’s changed in recent years is the scale and complexity of the digital demands placed on your network. Broadband is no longer just about speed – it now needs to deliver reliability, resilience, and security.

Here are just a few of the growing pressures:

• Cloud-first operations: Schools are increasingly relying on cloud-based MIS, finance systems, and learning platforms While this reduces the need for on-site servers, it increases dependency on stable, high-speed internet.

• One-to-one devices: Whether school-issued or BYOD, the number of devices has sky-rocketed. Each one requiring seamless access to content-rich platforms and real-time collaboration tools.

• EdTech innovation: AI-powered tutoring platforms, adaptive learning environments, and smart classroom tools require both high bandwidth and fast system response times to function effectively.

• Increased cyber security demands: With more systems online, broadband provision must include built-in security features – firewalls, filtering, and safeguarding compliance are essential components.

  
  

"Everything ICT were incredibly helpful in supporting our broadband switch. They answered all our questions in a transparent way and were honest and comprehensive when providing a quote. We are pleased with the decision we have made and feel comfortable that we will be well supported."

Yasmine T - Sawtry Infant School

Avoid the September scramble

Each year, we see a spike in broadband upgrade requests in late summer, when schools realise their existing infrastructure may not be able to support their plans for the new academic year. By then, engineering slots can be scarce, procurement windows tight, and project timescales compressed.

Upgrading your broadband earlier in the summer term brings some clear advantages:

• Summer holidays = minimal disruption: Major works, line installations, or upgrades can be scheduled during the quieter summer weeks, avoiding term-time downtime.

• Early access to capacity: Broadband providers face heavy demand by August. Acting now can give you a wider choice of suppliers and shorter lead times.

• Confidence going into September: Start the new academic year with systems ready, staff trained, and no surprises when devices go online simultaneously.

How we simplify the process

We understand that upgrading broadband can seem complex. That’s exactly why Everything ICT, exists – to make the procurement process simpler, faster, and fully compliant for schools and trusts.

Whether you need a full fibre leased line, resilient backup connectivity, or a complete broadband and filtering solution, we’ll help you find the right provider, without the unnecessary admin.

What you get through our framework:

• Competitive pricing through mini competitions

• Transparent supplier comparisons

• Full compliance with procurement regulations

• A single point of contact to manage the process

• Access to over 250 trusted suppliers who understand your safeguarding, compliance, and support requirements

Your school's broadband, ready for the year ahead

Whether it’s a student accessing an AI-powered language tutor, a teacher collaborating via cloud-based planning tools, or your SLT managing budgets and pupil data securely online -broadband is the foundation that makes it all possible.

Planning your upgrade now isn’t just about avoiding issues later. It’s about ensuring your school or trust is equipped to support evolving digital strategies and fully benefit from the next generation of EdTech.

Plan today to avoid pressure tomorrow. Talk to our expert team about upgrading your broadband ahead of the summer rush. Visit www.everythingict.org or contact us to find out more.