Pupils and staff across the country will have access to reliable,
safe technology in their classroom as the government announces
plans to help narrow the digital divide in schools - making
outdated systems and patchy connectivity a thing of the past.
Across the country there are stark inequalities where some pupils
suffer from basic digital access whilst others benefit from
cutting-edge technology, including AI – creating unfair barriers
to learning and future opportunities.
Following consultation with schools, the government is today (16
July) setting out expectations for schools and colleges to meet
six digital standards by 2030, helping to end the postcode
lottery in access to tech that has left too many pupils behind,
by preventing teachers from delivering modern lessons and
stopping pupils developing digital skills essential for modern
careers.
The six standards cover broadband internet, wireless networks,
network switches, digital leadership, plus two safety
requirements: cyber security and filtering and monitoring to keep
pupils safe online.
Online safety is at the heart of the government's plans, with the
cyber security and filtering and monitoring standards designed so
that as digital access improves, school IT systems are protected
from cyber security threats and the risk of online threats –
ensuring technology enhances children's education.
To support schools, the government will expand its Plan
technology for your school service to give every school tailored
support and guidance on how and where to make lasting, cost
effective improvements to their technology.
This comes alongside a £45 million investment from government
this year to boost school infrastructure, including upgrades to
fibre and wireless networks – helping get classrooms online and
boosting standards where it is most needed.
Minister for Early Education, , said:
Every child deserves access to the digital tools that will
prepare them for the modern world, regardless of which school
they attend. For too long, we've seen a postcode lottery where
some pupils thrive with cutting-edge technology whilst others are
held back by outdated equipment.
Meeting our six digital standards will ensure that by 2030, all
schools have the digital provision they need. We're investing in
our children's futures, supporting pupils to get the digital
access they need to succeed whilst keeping them safe
online.
This is a key part of our Plan for Change - ensuring every child
has the chance to reach their full potential and no pupil is left
behind in the digital age.
The Plan technology for your school service helps schools
understand their bespoke technology needs, create digital
strategies fit for the future and save money with guidance to
enable them to strike the best deal possible with suppliers.
Jisc will also continue to support colleges with expert advice on
the use of technology and access to Janet, the UK's National
Research and Education Network.
Evidence is clear that access to technology can boost a student's
attainment and meeting the standards will ensure every school has
the digital infrastructure to deliver the technological support
for staff and pupils for years to come.
The work forms part of the Government's wider plan to break
down barriers to opportunity, as too many pupils currently miss
out on digital skills that are essential for modern careers,
creating lasting disadvantage and impacting their
future. The Connect the Classroom programme has so far
improved connectivity for more than 1.3 million pupils in 3,700
schools.
By ensuring schools have reliable, safe technology, the
Government is giving pupils - regardless of their school's
location or resources - the digital foundation they need to
succeed in education and beyond.
Schools will work towards meeting the standards by 2030, with
government support to ensure no pupil is left behind in the
digital age.
