Connect the Classroom is a government-funded programme designed to boost internet speed in schools.
Here we peer into just one of the projects delivered via the scheme, namely a network upgrade at a Liverpool Academy involving sustainable channel services firm Nebula Global Services as they supported one of top 10 resellers from Oxygen 250.
Read more about the project here.
The Challenge
A highly respected secondary school Academy in Liverpool was facing significant IT infrastructure challenges. With an ageing network, poor Wi-Fi coverage, and outdated classroom connectivity, teachers were unable to fully integrate digital learning into their lessons.
Cloud-based platforms frequently dropped out, devices couldn’t connect consistently, and safeguarding tools were limited. The lack of a reliable, secure, and scalable network was directly impacting both teaching outcomes and student wellbeing.
The Project Required
- High-performance connectivity across all learning spaces
- A modern network backbone to support current and future technology needs
- Enhanced safety measures, including video surveillance and environmental monitoring
- Funding and expert delivery to bring the vision to life
The Solution
- Framework & funding expertise Nebula’s channel customer supported the school in qualifying for full funding under the DfE’s programme, removing cost as a barrier and streamlining procurement of hardware & Nebula services through approved frameworks and their own OPEX platform.
- Site survey and intelligent network design A full audit of the school’s network was completed, followed by a comprehensive design phase to map cabling, device locations, and network segmentation aligned with teaching priorities.
- End-to-end deployment Nebula’s DBS enhanced field engineering team delivered a secure, scalable infrastructure rollout including:
- Installation of new data points and Cat-6A structured cabling across classrooms and corridors
- Deployment of Cisco Meraki MS-series switches and MR-series access points, ensuring high-speed, reliable Wi-Fi across the entire site
- Setup of Verkada CCTV cameras throughout key areas to enhance campus security and safeguard students
- Integration of Verkada vape sensors in washrooms and high-risk areas, enabling proactive response to behavioural concerns
- Cloud-based visibility and control for both networking and security systems through unified dashboards
- All underpinned with Nebula Project Management & Co-ordination ensuring milestones were met and any in flight changes were dealt with efficiently and smoothly
- Ongoing management and support With Nebula’s Managed Cloud Infrastructure service in place, the school benefits from 24/7 remote monitoring, proactive alerts, and rapid incident response across both Meraki and Verkada systems—removing the burden from internal IT staff.
The Outcome
- A Safe, Connected, Future-Ready School
- The transformation delivered immediate and long-term benefits:
- Full Wi-Fi coverage and speed across all teaching and communal areas
- Seamless connectivity for student devices, online learning, and digital assessment tools
- Improved safeguarding with Verkada cameras and vape sensors alerting staff in real-time
- Centralised cloud control of all devices with Meraki and Verkada dashboards
- Reduced IT overhead with remote configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting
- Infrastructure built for growth, supporting future expansions in technology and enrolment
Customer Success Experience
- Framework & funding expertise
- Streamlined procurement of hardware & Nebula services through approved frameworks.
- Improved safeguarding
- Real-time staff alerts via Verkada cameras and vape sensors.
- Future-proof infrastructure
- Network design to support growth in technology and enrolments.
- Seamless connectivity
- Student devices remain connected for online learning and digital assessment.
- Complete Wi-fi
- Access to fast wi-fi connectivity across all teaching and communal areas.
- Cloud-based visibility
- Unified dashboard for monitoring of networking and security systems.
This article was produced in association with Nebula Global Services and is classified as partner content. What is partner content? See more here.
