Learning grid claims broadband savings

Mel Philipson, manager of the Northern Grid for Learning, said it has achieved "massive cost savings and improved the quality of learning for children". The network is provided by Easynet Global Services and connects schools in Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, North Tyneside, Redcar and Cleveland, Stockton and South Tyneside. Some of the grid's partner councils are small with only about 40 schools, making the set-up costs for broadband connectivity very high. "Pupils in schools which benefit from a Northern Grid/Easynet broadband connection are able to develop new learning strategies and maximise their attainment," Philipson said. The company claimed that its services have saved £20m for 450 schools in the north-east since it signed a contract with the Northern Grid in 2007.