Schools Gigabit Broadband Programme Phase 2 - Market Engagement

The Department for Education (DfE) is conducting early market engagement for the Schools Gigabit Broadband Programme Phase 2. This initiative aims to connect approximately 800 schools across England with gigabit-capable broadband connectivity by 2026-2030. The programme targets schools where high-speed connectivity is not currently available and where commercial or publicly funded solutions are not expected to be delivered independently by the end of 2030. This notice is for information gathering purposes only and does not constitute a formal procurement or tender invitation. The DfE will not be liable for costs incurred by organisations responding to this engagement. The programme builds on previous successful phases: the Rural Local Full Fibre Networks and Rural Gigabit Connectivity programmes (2019-2022) connected 800 schools, and Phase 1 (2023-2026) connected a further 800 schools. Interested organisations should understand that this is preliminary market engagement to gather information about potential delivery models and solutions before any formal procurement process is launched.