Why did the Senior Leadership Team cross the road?

Because that’s what they did last year.

We’ve all been there – staring at a switch cabinet full of flashing lights and thinking, “Let’s just replace it like for like.” It feels safer. Simpler. Familiar.

But if your school or trust is planning a network refresh – whether through a full tender or a framework – it’s worth asking: do we really need this much kit?

Switch First, Ask Questions Later?

In one recent school network review, over 2,200 switch ports were in place. But the number of wired devices was dramatically lower. Like-for-like replacement would have meant replicating an overprovisioned estate – great for the budget of a networking vendor, less so for a school chasing value for money.

It’s easy to spend days tweaking procurement documents and nudging suppliers for a 0.5% discount. But reducing the number of switches by 10%? That saves 10%. No negotiation required.

Value for Money Means Rethinking Assumptions

Modern networks are often designed to be wireless-first. Printers, admin PCs, and specialist labs need ports – but most teaching and learning is mobile. Keeping switches in every classroom because “we’ve always had them” doesn’t reflect how pupils now use technology.

So, before your tender goes out:

• Ask how many ports are really used
• Check if switch density reflects device count – or just legacy layouts
• Plan for flexibility, not maximum occupancy

What About Redundancy?

Here’s another value conversation: do you need a 4-hour replacement warranty, or would 24 hours be acceptable? Would you rather hold £1,000 in spare kit in case of failure – or let a head of faculty use that money to buy actual learning resources?

It’s about risk. But it’s also about return.

Be Brave Enough to Ask the Obvious

There’s nothing wrong with like-for-like replacement when it’s genuinely needed. But the real strategic value lies in challenging the default. “Why did we cross the road?” is a good question – especially if the road no longer goes anywhere.

Gain Digital Confidence so you can ask the right questions before you spend the money.