UK Government says all schools to have high-speed internet by 2025
The Education Secretary has announced that all schools in England will have access to high-speed internet by 2025.The roll-out, which forms part of the government’s plans to make lightning-fast gigabit broadband accessible across the UK, will be supported by a £150 million fund for the most in-need schools.
Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said: “Digital technology, and the data and infrastructure that underpins it, is changing the way we live, work, and learn. We need to use our experience from the pandemic as a springboard to embed new and better ways of using technology in schools, and across education. This new investment moves us a giant step forward to helping ensure that every school across the country has the best technology.”
The department has also published a set of technology standards that will give advice on the most recommended technology infrastructure and support schools in understanding the most effective technologies to help pupils learn.
Geoff Barton, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: “We very much welcome this focus on supporting improved digital technology in schools through the measures outlined by the Secretary of State. It is really important to seize the opportunities offered by technology to enhance the learning experience of young people and having the right infrastructure in place and evidence base of what works is vital in achieving that goal.”
The efforts to improve technology in schools and colleges is part of the Government’s Government’s aim to level up education across the UK. The Department for Education has previously identified 55 areas as Education Investment Areas. These areas, parts of the country in which school outcomes are weakest, will be among those to benefit from the new funding.
“Upgrading schools to high-speed broadband, setting out clear standards so that schools know what technology they should have in place, as well as providing funding to support them in achieving this, is the latest way we are levelling up education across the country,” Zahawi added.
