LFFN Interim Evaluation Schools Project

This document describes an evaluation of the Local Full Fibre Networks (LFFN) Wave 1 Schools Project, which aims to provide gigabit-capable connections to schools, with the goal of improving public sector connectivity and yielding secondary benefits. Conducted by Ipsos MORI and commissioned by Building Digital UK, the evaluation faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to an interim assessment with a final report due in the second half of 2022. The evaluation employed a variety of methods, including reviews of project documentation, qualitative interviews, econometric analysis, and analysis of secondary data from Ofcom and the Department for Education. Preliminary results indicate that while the project has successfully connected schools, leading to improved administrative and teaching functions, the impact on surrounding areas and economic outcomes is less clear, with limited evidence of significant changes in broadband coverage or school performance indicators. The evaluation also notes the development of a new Full Fibre Infrastructure Build product to expedite connections and the need for schools to upgrade internal infrastructure to fully benefit from the improved connectivity. The final evaluation will continue to explore these aspects and the potential use of the FFIB product in similar projects. **This summary was written by an AI model and therefore should not be considered a definitive summary of the report. If you are aware of inaccuracies, please email evaluation.registry@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.**

Description

• Lead department: Building Digital UK (BDUK)
• Evaluation stage: A complete evaluation report
• Other departments: No other departments listed
• Evaluation types: Impact evaluation
• Impact methods: Quasi-experimental method
• Quasi-experimental methods: Matching
• Grant information: This intervention is not distributing funding via a grant
• Government Major Project information: This intervention is not a major project
• Policies: No policies provided

Event Dates

• Event Name: Publication of final results
• Event date: October 2022

Evaluation Costs

• Cost: Not provided

Evaluation sharing

• Link(s) to published report(s): Yes
• Links to evaluation plans: No link provided
• Findings: Not provided
• Permission to share confirmed: Yes