Wireless Networking in Education

Introduction 

New Bridge Multi Academy Trust (MAT) comprises six schools based across Oldham, Tameside and Rochdale, all dedicated to the learning, social and pastoral development of children and young people with additional needs between the ages of 4 and 19. 

Across its six sites, New Bridge supports around 1,200 students and 700 staff using IT every day. 

The Challenge 

An ageing Wi-Fi network was causing New Bridge multiple issues, and most significantly it was affecting the quality of teaching and learning.  

Staff and students were suffering frequent connection problems. Support for the network’s firmware had ceased, increasing the risk of security vulnerabilities, aggravating reliability issues, and adding to the IT workload.  

Additionally, for historic reasons the network was based on three different systems increasing the IT workload. This also meant that multi-site staff had the complication of juggling a different log-in for each network. As a multi academy trust (MAT), New Bridge needed to minimise cost. But, as a MAT with sensitive and easily disturbed pupils, it also needed installation outside the pupil’s day. 

A Successful Solution 

After looking at several potential vendors and suppliers, New Bridge chose to work with Nviron.  

Nviron proposed using Ruckus Wi-Fi. Renowned for being durable, providing reliable coverage and signal strength, even in the high-density use of a classroom, and easy to manage. Which addressed all New Bridge’s technical needs.  

As an authorised supplier to the public sector through the NHS Digital Workplace Solutions Framework, Nviron helped New Bridge streamline purchasing.  

As well as supplying the network equipment, Nviron also provided the trouble-free implementation. An initial site survey ensured a correct equipment specification, that exactly met New Bridge’s needs. Nviron also ensured that this adhered to the Department for Education’s digital and technology standards in schools.  

Nviron worked with New Bridge to plan the installation work around the school day, to avoid disruption and maintain network continuity 

Business Benefits:

• New wi-fi network enables improved teaching and learning.
   
• Performance and reliability issues eliminated enabling easy access to online resources. 
   
• Nviron site survey ensures correct specification and adherence to D f E requirements. 
   
• Ruckus wi-fi ideal for education, providing security, durability, reliability, and consistent signal strength. 
   
• Easy, best value procurement achieved through NHS Digital Workplace Solutions Framework. 
   
• Single, reliable, easy to manage network reduces burden on IT team, freeing up time. 
   
• Installation work conducted outside school hours to avoid disrupting pupils. 

About Nviron

Nviron is a long-standing IT partner to the public and private sectors, known for its technical expertise, reliable delivery and customer-first approach. With more than 30 years of experience and a deep understanding how technology can help customers drive growth and increase efficiency, Nviron continues to empower schools, multi-academy trusts and education providers across the UK to build secure, scalable and future-ready digital environments. 

Whether you’re applying for funding, reviewing your IT infrastructure, or preparing for the DfE’s new digital standards, Nviron is ready to support you. 

Supporting The Department For Education’s Digital Ambition 

New Bridge MAT’s transformation ensures they are compliant with the Department for Education’s (DfE) long-term ambition for all schools to meet six core digital standards by 2030 - covering essential infrastructure and security. 

In 2024, New Bridge received £250,000 of investment through the Connect the Classroom scheme - one of the key initiatives now extended as part of the government’s £45 million investment to modernise school connectivity and close the digital divide. 

“Tech gives our young people a voice, and through reliable connectivity we can consistently give them that voice. Tech supports improved attainment and benefits attendance, behaviour and wellbeing.” 

– Richard Bright, Executive Advisor for Technology, New Bridge MAT 

With only 16% of schools currently meeting all six standards, the DfE is consulting on greater accountability by 2030. Nviron’s work with New Bridge MAT demonstrates how targeted infrastructure upgrades, when delivered with the right partner, can meet both immediate needs and long-term policy goals, ensuring no child is left behind.