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The UK Government’s Department for Education (DfE) has today set out “six standards” that it hopes will end the “postcode lottery of school technology” and help to close the digital divide. The 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.
The government states that, across the country, there are still “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. The goal of the new standards is to help ensure that every school has access to “reliable, safe tech” in classrooms and to “ensure no child is left behind“.
Schools and colleges will be expected to meet these new expectations by 2030, although it’s unclear what happens if they don’t. One possible catch here is that the government recently delayed their plan for achieving nationwide (99%) UK coverage of gigabit-capable broadband from 2030 to 2032, which now seems to be out of alignment with the six standards (most likely only impacting a few rural areas).
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 £45m investment from government this year to boost school infrastructure, including upgrades to fibre optic and wireless networks.
Minister for Early Education, Stephen Morgan, 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we’ve seen a postcode lottery where some pupils thrive with cutting-edge technology whilst others are held back by outdated equipment.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 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.
Jisc will also continue to support colleges with advice on the use of technology and access to Janet, the UK’s National Research and Education Network. But that’s all the info. we get from the government’s announcement.