A NORTH-EAST free school has benefitted from a taxpayer-funded scheme aimed at delivering faster broadband to small firms and charities.

Teesside technology firm Odyssey Systems has helped Polam Hall School in Darlington to boost its internet infrastructure with the installation of a leased line thanks to a £3,000 grant from the Government’s Broadband Connection Voucher Scheme.

The scheme, administered by Go Digital on behalf of local enterprise partnership Tees Valley Unlimited, is paid from public funds as part of the SuperFast Britain campaign. It gives small firm's, charities and social enterprises a means of accessing high-speed reliable communication systems.

Eligible organisations, across Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland and Stockton-on-Tees, can apply for a free voucher, worth up to £3,000, towards the fixed cost of getting better connected.

After being awarded Free School status, Polam Hall has seen its pupil numbers grow from around 260 to more than 400 in less than a year and expects this number to continue to increase. With the school encouraging pupils to bring their own devices, there was a significant strain on its bonded broadband that often resulted in slow internet speeds, which hindered the use of its online resources.

Now, with a 100mb leased line in place, the school's teachers can simultaneously access the internet during classes, safe in the knowledge its infrastructure can handle the extra demand.

Boarding students at Polam Hall, a number of who have families outside of the UK, can now keep in touch with relatives using the school's improved wifi network to make video calls.

Christine Gilbert, a director at Odyssey Systems, said: "With schools now utilising online resources to supplement classroom learning, having a fast and reliable internet connection is a necessity.

“The connection voucher scheme proved to be a major factor for Polam Hall when deciding to upgrade its infrastructure and I hope more schools with follow its lead and access the funding on offer.”

John Moreland, Headmaster at Polam Hall School, said: “The Odyssey team has been excellent from start to finish. They have guided us through each step of the funding process and ensured only minimal downtime was required during the installation process.

“Having a dedicated leased line in place will allow the school to improve the efficiency and quality of lessons by making full use of our interactive facilities, which will prove to be priceless for students preparing for exams.”

For more information on the voucher scheme visit: www.connectionvouchers.co.uk/cities