More than £170,000 to improve Internet speed in primary schools across Northamptonshire

29 May 2024

Executive members approved the funding of £171,936 for six schools across the area at North Northamptonshire’s monthly meeting in Corby Cube on May 16.

The money is from the 'Connect the Classroom' grant, which is a government-funded programme aimed at improving Internet speed in schools.

Schools across North Northamptonshire were contacted as part of the programme, and those which fell below Wi-Fi connectivity standards during the assessment and met the criteria were awarded funding.

This money is to go towards upgrading to the latest wireless network, giving full coverage throughout the schools and externally where required.

The following schools will benefit from the award:

Alfred Street Junior School, Rushden £30,036 (now Alfred Lord Tennyson)
Corby Old Village Primary School £24,416
Mawsley Primary School £31,487
Meadowside Primary School £40,603
Tennyson Road Infant School £21,858 (now Alfred Lord Tennyson)
All Saints CEVA Primary School and Nursery £23,536

In today’s teaching environment, Wi-Fi is key to student success for several reasons. As you leave school, students need Wi-Fi to get a job, find insurance, buy home goods, manage their pensions, and file their self-assessments. Helping them get used to using the Internet now, identifying safe connections and managing their data usage are all good skills to furnish learners with.

High speed, reliable internet is crucial to helping schools provide the best possible experience for pupils. This investment will expand a whole world of possibilities for schools and teachers in these schools, whether that is through more access to online resources for children, or fast, top quality video streaming.Jason Smithers, Leader of North Northamptonshire Council

Schools receiving the funding were chosen because they fell below the governments WiFi connectivity standards, as part of the assessment.

These standards include:

using the latest wireless network standard approved by the Wi-Fi Alliance
having a fully functional signal from a wireless network throughout the school or college buildings and externally, where required
having a solution that can centrally manage the wireless network
installing security features to stop unauthorised access