Broadband, Firewall, Web Filtering & Monitoring Procurement

Broadband is about far more than speed. For schools, it must also meet the DfE’s digital technology standards around security, resilience, and safeguarding. Getting that balance right, while still achieving value for money, requires more than a simple comparison of providers.

We help schools define exactly what they need across connectivity, firewall, filtering, and monitoring, then manage a fully compliant procurement process from start to finish - ensuring the solution is robust, secure, and fit for purpose.

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Truly Independent Advice

We provide impartial advice, focused entirely on what is right for your school. Every recommendation is based on your specific requirements, ensuring you select a solution that is fit for purpose, complies with the DfE standards and delivers value for money.

It's More Than Just Broadband

Speed matters, but so do resilience, security and keeping children safe online. We ensure your solution performs on every level.

We Handle the Whole Project

From scoping your requirements and preparing your tender, reviewing proposals and supporting supplier selection, we manage it from start to finish. You don't need to sit through multiple supplier presentations and try to compare them yourself.

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The Problem

Why Reviewing Your Provision Matters

When a broadband contract comes up for renewal, many schools simply continue with their existing provider without fully reviewing their provision or pricing. While this may seem like the easiest option, it often means missed opportunities to improve performance, strengthen safeguarding, and achieve better value.

In reality, procurement in this area is far more complex. The DfE sets clear expectations around connectivity, resilience, security, and the effectiveness of filtering and monitoring. Getting this wrong doesn’t just impact performance - it can introduce security vulnerabilities, weaken safeguarding, and result in a solution that falls short of required standards.

Filtering and monitoring requirements also vary depending on the devices in use. A solution suited to a Chromebook environment may not be appropriate for schools using Windows laptops or a mixed estate. Without clear, independent guidance, it’s easy to implement a solution that doesn’t fully meet your needs - and to pay more than necessary for it.

The Service

A Fully Integrated Solution

When we run a broadband procurement project, we take a holistic view of your provision. That means assessing not just the connectivity, but also the firewall, web filtering, and monitoring tools - and how effectively they work together to deliver speed, security, resilience, and safeguarding.

This ensures your safeguarding team has the visibility they need to monitor activity, quickly identify potential risks, and be confident that appropriate protections are in place. It also ensures you meet the DfE expectations for connectivity, filtering and monitoring.

We define the solution architecture, produce detailed tender documentation, take the project to market with appropriate suppliers, and carry out a thorough evaluation of every proposal received.

How It Works

The Process, Step by Step

Discovery

We start with a detailed review of your current environment, covering existing services, costs, contract positions, device estate, and any gaps in performance, security, or safeguarding.

Design

We define what the right solution looks like for your school - covering connection type, speeds, firewall, filtering, and monitoring, ensuring everything aligns with the DfE standards.

Tender

We write the tender documentation and pricing spreadsheets, then go to market with a shortlist of reputable education specialists.

Review

We review every proposal and compile the findings into a single report that makes it straightforward to compare providers.

Decision

We advise on both supplier shortlisting and final contract award, then stay closely involved throughout implementation to ensure the solution is delivered as expected and the transition runs smoothly.

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What You Receive

Your Report

Once proposals are received, we undertake a detailed, structured evaluation on your behalf. You’ll receive a comprehensive report that clearly sets out each supplier’s solution, including tender compliance, service delivery, contract terms, and overall suitability for your school.

The report includes clear price comparison tables, allowing you to easily understand total cost of ownership, pricing structures, and any variations between suppliers. We highlight key differences, identify any risks or hidden conditions, and provide a clear, evidence-based recommendation - so you can make a confident, fully informed decision.

What Schools Say

Trusted by Schools Across the UK

The initial tender process with TGE solutions was informative and simple to follow. The telephone installation went without a hitch. Overall we received an excellent service from start to finish.

TGE Solutions assisted us with sourcing a new telephone call and line rental provider and managed the transition between the old and new suppliers ensuring the process was seamless and painless.

TGE Solutions are always very friendly and professional; all the way through the process of writing a detailed tender on our behalf, to overseeing the installation of a full and modern new phone system. We are really glad we decided to work with Phil and the team, we never had any problems at all and everything was explained and documented clearly. We used to get frustrated with our old phones and phone lines but now everything has been upgraded, updated and our costs have been reduced. Thanks TGE Solutions!

Clear Project Fees

We charge a fixed project fee, with the cost varying depending on the size and type of school or Multi Academy Trust. You’ll have complete clarity from the outset, and we’re happy to provide a tailored quote based on your specific requirements.

There are no additional charges, and no ongoing costs once the project is complete, you know exactly what the investment will be before we begin.

Through our structured procurement approach and detailed knowledge of the market, we would expect to secure better commercial outcomes than a school could typically achieve independently - often delivering savings that exceed the cost of our fee.

No Obligation

Contract Not Up for Renewal Yet?

That’s fine. The best time to start planning your next broadband contract is well in advance, ideally 6-12 months before expiry. Engaging early ensures you’re not forced into a rushed decision and have adequate time to get new lines ordered and installed.

If you’re unsure about your current setup, a technology or broadband audit is a useful starting point. They review your broadband, firewall, filtering and monitoring against the DfE standards, and highlight any gaps or risks that should be addressed.

For Multi-Academy Trusts

Centralised Control and Consistency

For MATs, a broadband procurement project is an opportunity to bring services together across multiple schools - delivering consistent standards, education-focused provision, and simplified contract management at trust level.

A trust-wide approach also allows for centralised visibility of filtering and monitoring, giving safeguarding leads clearer oversight across all schools and greater confidence that appropriate protections are consistently in place.

We work with trusts of all sizes and assess each school’s individual requirements before developing a trust-wide specification that aligns with both individual school needs and central strategy.

Common Questions About Working with Us

Questions We're Often Asked

Does the broadband procurement cover filtering and monitoring too?

Yes. We look at the whole solution together – the connection, the firewall, and the filtering and monitoring software. These things work best when they’re specified and procured as a package rather than pieced together separately.

What DfE standards apply to broadband?

The DfE’s digital technology standards set requirements around internet speed, resilience and security. There are also specific standards around filtering and monitoring that schools must meet as part of their safeguarding responsibilities. Our procurement service ensures that all DfE standards are met.

Do you only work with certain broadband providers?

We source pricing from education-specialist internet service providers, ensuring solutions are tailored to the specific needs of schools. Our shortlist is based entirely on which suppliers are best placed to meet your requirements, deliver the right functionality, and provide strong value for money.

What if we're locked into a contract for another year?

That’s not a problem. We can take a look at your current setup now, flag anything that needs addressing, and agree to pick up the procurement project when your contract is closer to expiry.

Is there any obligation after an initial conversation?

None at all. We’re happy to have a no-pressure call to talk through your current setup and whether a procurement project makes sense for you right now.