How schools can support inclusion through smarter tech strategies

The UK often talks about becoming a ‘tech superpower’, but in truth, our school system still lacks the basic digital infrastructure needed to support this ambition. Just 53% of schools have fully-functioning WiFi across their campuses – a gap that reflects broader inequalities in access to education. Digital access is no longer a ‘nice to have’ — It’s fundamental to participating in modern education. From homework submissions and online learning platforms to parent-teacher communication and safeguarding systems, connectivity and digital tools now underpin daily school life. As such, the government’s £45m investment package, announced in March as part of its ‘no child left behind’ strategy, and the updated digital and technology standards released around the same time, were a welcome step. But many schools are still unclear about how to apply these standards in practice – or how to address the growing digital divide. What the standards aim to do – and why they matter The digital and technology standards, first published in 2022 and updated in March 2025, provide practical guidance for schools and colleges looking to improve their digital infrastructure. They cover everything from broadband and wireless connectivity to cybersecurity and accessibility. They aim to support schools in making informed, cost-effective tech decisions while ensuring all students can access learning. At RM Technology, we’ve seen how transformative the standards can be when applied thoughtfully. In one school I worked with in the Northeast, patchy WiFi meant students and staff were disconnected in parts of the building, despite a decent wired broadband connection. The standards gave us a clear framework to explain the problem and prioritise investment in wireless coverage. Cybersecurity is another area where the standards offer clarity. Many schools recognise it’s important but don’t know where to start. The recommendation for annual security reviews, for instance, gives them a tangible benchmark for good practice. Supporting inclusion through better tech strategies The cost of digital access – laptops, WiFi, software – is fast becoming a barrier to education, especially for lower-income families. This was underlined in the recent CPAG and Loughborough University report, which found that the cost of secondary education now tops £2,275 per year. We must treat digital inclusion as a core part of tackling educational inequality. One of the most impactful ways schools can respond is through leadership. The standards recommend designating a member of the senior leadership team to oversee the school’s technology strategy. This doesn’t need to be a tech expert – but someone who understands the strategic value of technology in reducing costs, improving processes, and supporting students who might otherwise be excluded. For example, many schools still rely on manual systems for basic admin tasks that could be automated. A strategic lead could help modernise these approaches and free up staff time. They could also champion tools that directly improve inclusivity. I recently introduced a school to ‘Present Live’ in Microsoft PowerPoint, which allows presentations to be streamed to attendees’ phones with subtitles in their chosen language. This has transformed parents’ evenings for families who speak English as an additional language. What next? Schools shouldn’t be discouraged if they’re not currently meeting all the standards. The goal is not perfection overnight, but progress – creating environments where every student has a fair shot at success. Technology can and should be a powerful equaliser. With the right support, leadership, and guidance, schools can take practical steps now to reduce digital exclusion and build a stronger, more inclusive education system for the future. About Mel Parker Mel Parker is an Educational Technologist at RM Technology, where she advises schools across the UK on implementing effective digital strategies. A former deputy headteacher, Maths teacher, and experienced senior leader, Mel has spent more than two decades working in the education sector, with a focus on curriculum innovation, digital transformation, and staff development. She now brings her frontline insights to support schools in navigating the evolving edtech landscape, drawing on RM Technology’s work with 70% of UK schools.