The edtech demonstrator programme provides support for schools and colleges on a peer-to-peer basis from a network of edtech-rich demonstrators. Please see below for frequently asked questions that we receive about the programme, and our response.

1. Why has the programme been created?

The edtech demonstrator programme was announced in 2019 to boost peer-to-peer support between schools on the effective use of technology and has now been tailored to help schools and colleges provide education remotely both during periods of closure and when schools / colleges reopen. Online learning support continues to have a key role in helping provide learner support for schools and colleges.

2. What is the aim of the edtech demonstrator programme?

The edtech demonstrator schools and colleges will provide professional development, initially focussed on supporting the effective delivery of remote teaching practices to schools and colleges across the country. The programme will help schools and colleges who are most in need of support; for example, those getting to grips with using a new online learning platform and those with the most disadvantaged learners.

3. Who is the programme targeted at?

Schools and colleges that would like support to develop their approach to remote learning to improve leaners outcomes, engagement and well-being.

4. Who can apply for the programme?

Any DfE supported school or college in England. Independent schools and independent training providers are not eligible for the scheme. If in doubt, please contact us to discuss.

5. Who are the demonstrator schools/colleges?

Demonstrators are schools and colleges who have significant experience and expertise in the effective use of education technology to promote the advancement of approaches to teaching and learning. All demonstrators applied to be part of the programme through an open call, and have undergone a rigorous selection process undertaken by the DfE.

6. What are the kinds of support topic covered by the demonstrator’s school?

The programme will include:

Advice, guidance and training including a mix of group support through webinars, recorded content and peer to peer discussions. It will include content on the use of online learning platforms, digital safety, supporting the needs of pupils with SEND and how to promote pupil and teacher wellbeing during remote teaching.

A universal offer of support, provided by the Delivery Partners and delivered through this website. This offer will draw on the work of the Demonstrator Schools and Colleges and will provide schools and colleges across the country with access to recorded tutorials, advice and guidance aimed at supporting effective remote working.

7. What are the ways in which a demonstrator can support my school?

Each school or college being supported will have its own needs. It is the role of the demonstrator to work to support the particular context of the supported establishment and help it progress its own aims in relation to remote learning.

8. How long can support last for supported schools and colleges applying for help?

It depends on the context of the supported establishment and the support being provided, but we envisage that support will generally last no longer than a term.

9. How long is the programme running?

The programme is funded by the DfE until the end of March 2021

10. Will the programme continue when schools re open after lockdown measures change?

Yes – the programme will continue until the end of March 2021 with a continuing focus on meeting the needs of schools that apply for support with remote learning.

11. How does the edtech demonstrator programme link to other DfE initiatives that support remote learning?

The edtech demonstrator programme compliments other initiatives to support remote learning such as :

• The adoption of cloud platforms

• Oak Academy

• BBC bitesize online curriculum resources

12. If most pupils are starting to return to school, is there any point in applying for support from the programme?

Yes, the programme existing to develop schools' capability to harness the power of online platforms to support online learning across the full range of contexts, to build resilience, capacity and capability for schools in the future including during any future periods of widespread school closure.