This month's budget saw the announcement of a further £200m for the support of the national digital infrastructure and the Government's LFFN (Local Full Fibre ) initiative. 

(Digital Infrastructure section 4.13, P56)

E2BN (East of England Broadband Network) is working with the Department for Education (DfE) and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to identify schools that would, with their local community, benefit from the installation of high-speed fibre to the premises (FTTP).

The funding is ‘ring-fenced’ for the sole purpose of providing an FTTP installation and covers capital costs for fibre installation, any civil engineering dig that may be required, the router, filtering hardware and firewall set up. This funding is a one-off capped payment that eligible schools will receive prior to the installation being completed.

Ongoing venue costs will remain the school’s responsibility.

In order to access the grant school must meet criteria set out by the DfE and DCMS. 

E2BN is currently contacting eligible schools to establish the cost of FTTP provision and to assist schools with accessing the grant.

School leaders requiring any further advice and guidance may contact Tim Rocke, ICT Advisor, DfE, Tel: 07468 714382,

Email enquiry form: www.education.gov.uk/help/contactus