LED screens and digital displays are becoming a practical communication tool across primary schools, secondary schools, colleges and multi-academy trusts.

However, budgeting for digital signage isn’t just about the screen itself. Schools that get the most value are the ones that plan holistically, considering usage, longevity and whole-school impact from the outset.

If you’re reviewing digital signage as part of your new-year planning, here are the key factors every education setting should consider.

What problem is the school trying to solve?

Before looking at costs, it’s worth being clear about why you want digital signage.

Common drivers in education include:

• Reducing reliance on printed notices
• Improving safeguarding and emergency communication
• Sharing key messages consistently across a site (or multiple sites)
• Enhancing visitor experience for parents, Ofsted and governors
• Supporting students with visual prompts, timetables and reminders

Defining the purpose early helps avoid over- or under-specifying the solution. A corridor noticeboard replacement will have very different requirements to an LED screen in a hall or reception.

Is digital signage a capital or revenue investment?

One of the first budgeting questions schools ask is whether digital signage should sit within capital expenditure or planned improvements.

In most cases:

• LED screens and fixed digital displays are treated as capital assets
• Software licences, content platforms and occasional maintenance may fall under revenue spend

Understanding this distinction early helps align signage projects with estates planning, ICT strategies and longer-term improvement plans, rather than trying to squeeze them into short-term budgets.

How many screens are actually needed?

A common mistake is budgeting for individual screens in isolation. Schools often achieve better value by planning signage as a system rather than a single purchase.

Questions to consider:

• Could one well-placed screen replace multiple noticeboards?
• Are there areas where information is repeatedly missed?
• Would shared content across several screens reduce staff admin time?

A small network of screens, centrally managed, is often more cost-effective than ad-hoc installations over time.

What are the ongoing costs beyond installation?

The initial purchase price is only part of the picture. Schools should factor in the total cost of ownership, including:

• Content management software (often modest, but important)
• Power consumption (modern LED screens are increasingly energy efficient)
• Occasional servicing or support
• Content creation time (who updates it and how often?)

Choosing education-appropriate systems with simple content controls can keep ongoing costs low and prevent signage becoming another burden for already stretched staff.

Will the signage last for the full planning cycle?

Schools typically plan investments over several years, not months. When budgeting, it’s important to consider lifespan and durability.

High-quality LED screens designed for commercial or educational environments can last many years with minimal degradation. This makes them a longer-term alternative to printed materials, temporary posters or short-life display solutions.

Cheaper displays may appear cost-effective upfront but can lead to higher replacement or maintenance costs later.

How does digital signage support safeguarding and compliance?

Safeguarding is a growing consideration in school technology decisions.

Digital signage can support this by:

• Displaying up-to-date safeguarding information
• Reinforcing behaviour expectations and school values
• Communicating emergency instructions clearly and instantly
• Reducing cluttered noticeboards where critical information can be missed

When budgeting, it’s worth viewing signage not just as a communications tool, but as part of the school’s wider safeguarding and pastoral strategy.

Can the system scale with the school or trust?

For MATs and growing schools, scalability is key. Budgeting should account for future expansion, such as:

• Adding screens at additional sites
• Sharing consistent messaging across multiple schools
• Centralised control with local flexibility

Choosing a system that can grow avoids the need to replace equipment prematurely as needs evolve.

Is professional installation worth budgeting for?

Professional installation is often overlooked in early budgets, yet it plays a big role in long-term success.

Correct mounting, screen positioning, brightness selection and cable management all affect:

• Visibility and accessibility
• Health and safety compliance
• Longevity of the equipment

Budgeting for proper installation can prevent costly issues later and ensures the signage delivers value from day one. When planned properly, digital signage is not a short-term expense but a long-term asset for schools. 

By budgeting with purpose, lifespan and whole-school impact in mind, education settings can make informed decisions that support communication, safeguarding and engagement well into the future.

If your school or trust is exploring digital signage as part of its new-year planning, speaking to an experienced education-focused supplier can help clarify what’s appropriate, achievable and sustainable.