IT Network & Infrastructure Procurement for Schools

Whether you're upgrading your Wi-Fi, replacing ageing network switches and cabling, or planning a complete infrastructure refresh, getting the right solution in place is critical. A poorly designed or outdated network can lead to unreliable connectivity, disruption to teaching and learning, security vulnerabilities, and failure to meet the Department for Education digital technology standards.

We help schools and Multi Academy Trusts define their technical requirements, develop a clear infrastructure strategy, identify the most suitable suppliers, and manage a fully compliant procurement process from start to finish. This ensures you secure a reliable, future-ready network infrastructure that delivers performance, resilience, scalability, and best value.

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Truly Independent Advice

We don't sell hardware, software or IT infrastructure. Every recommendation we make is based entirely on the specific needs of your school or Multi Academy Trust, ensuring the solution is fit for purpose, delivers long-term value, and supports compliance with the Department for Education digital technology standards.

We Do the Hard Work

From scoping what you need to writing the tender and reviewing every proposal, we manage the project. You stay involved in the key decisions without having to get deep into the technical details yourself.

Designed to Meet DfE Standards

The Department for Education has clear standards for network infrastructure, cabling, and Wi-Fi performance. Getting these wrong can lead to poor reliability, limited scalability, and costly upgrades later. We help ensure the infrastructure you procure is compliant, future-ready, and designed to support your school’s long-term digital strategy.

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The Problem

Poor Infrastructure Decisions Can Be Costly

Many schools underestimate how important their IT infrastructure is in meeting the Department for Education digital technology standards. There are specific expectations around network switching, cabling, Wi-Fi coverage, performance, and resilience. Without the right technical knowledge, schools can easily procure infrastructure that is outdated, underperforming, or unable to support future demands.

The result is often unreliable connectivity, ongoing performance issues, and expensive upgrades much sooner than expected. Without independent expert guidance, it can be difficult for schools to know which solutions are right for their environment, what represents genuine long-term value, or whether the proposed infrastructure is truly fit for purpose.

The Service

We Manage the Entire Procurement Process

We begin by assessing your existing infrastructure, understanding the challenges you are facing, and identifying what your school or Multi Academy Trust needs to achieve. This may include replacing ageing network equipment, improving Wi-Fi coverage and performance, upgrading cabling infrastructure, or aligning your environment with the Department for Education digital technology standards.

From there, we develop the technical specification, produce the tender documentation, manage the procurement process, and evaluate every proposal received. You receive a clear, easy to understand report outlining the available options, our assessment of each submission, and our recommendations based on quality, suitability, long term value, and compliance.

How It Works

The Process, Step by Step

Discovery

We start with a consultation to understand your existing infrastructure, identify current challenges, and define what the project needs to achieve both now and in the future.

Design

We define the right specification for your network switches, cabling, and Wi-Fi, taking into account your site layout, device usage, performance requirements, and the Department for Education standards.

Tender

We produce the tender documentation and pricing spreadsheets, then take the project to market with a shortlist of experienced education sector infrastructure suppliers.

Review

We review every proposal and put together a detailed report that explains what each supplier offers, where the differences lie, price comparisons along with our recommendations.

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.

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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, functionality, 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.

You’ll know exactly what you’re signing up to before you commit.

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!

Transparent Project Pricing

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

Not Sure Where to Start?

Even if you know your network infrastructure needs upgrading but you are not yet ready to move forward, an initial conversation can still be valuable. Understanding your options early helps you plan ahead, avoid costly mistakes, and puts you in a stronger position when the time comes to procure.

If you are unsure whether your existing infrastructure meets the Department for Education digital technology standards, our technology and IT audits can help. We assess your network switches, Wi-Fi environment, and cabling infrastructure to identify performance issues, compliance gaps, and potential weaknesses within your network.

For Multi-Academy Trusts

Standardising Infrastructure Across Your Trust

For Multi Academy Trusts, an IT infrastructure project can provide an opportunity to standardise network infrastructure across multiple schools. Creating greater consistency in hardware, network design, and support arrangements can simplify management, improve reliability, and make ongoing maintenance more efficient across the trust.

A trust-wide approach can also deliver stronger long-term value through improved scalability, streamlined support, and more cost-effective procurement outcomes.

Common Questions About Working with Us

Questions We're Often Asked

What does IT network procurement actually cover?

It covers the physical infrastructure your school runs on – data network switches, internal cabling, and Wi-Fi. It can also include the design work needed to make sure everything performs as it should across your site.

How do we know if our current network is good enough?

A technology audit or IT audit is the quickest way to assess your existing infrastructure. It compares your current network switches, Wi-Fi, and cabling environment against the Department for Education digital technology standards and identifies any gaps or areas of concern. If improvements are needed, we can then help you plan and manage the procurement project from start to finish.

Do you advise on what spec we need, or just run the tender?

Both. We start with the design piece – working out what your school actually needs – and then take that into the procurement process. You won’t be handed a blank brief and asked to fill it in yourself.

Does this work for primary schools as well as secondaries?

Yes. The scale varies, but the process is the same. Primary schools often have simpler requirements, which can make the project run more quickly and be more straightforward to manage.

What if we already have quotes from suppliers?

It’s worth having an independent view before you commit. Suppliers will naturally present their own solution in the best light – we can review what you’ve been offered and tell you whether it represents fair value and meets the DfE standards.

Is there any obligation after an initial conversation?

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