Nearly nine out of 10 (85 per cent) school IT staff and head teachers think the quality of education will fall if schools do not provide adequate technology for students.

And almost two-thirds (61 per cent) of teachers feel that the government’s educational IT policy needs a wholesale review, says a survey.

"IT is such a central part of teaching that schools which do not have access to the latest technologies risk creating a sub-standard learning environment," said a spokeswoman for ZyXEL Communications, which conducted the research.

The government has already committed to an initiative which aims to give all pupils and parents broadband access by 2010.

But resources are being stretched, according to ZyXEL Communications.

"Schools are torn between complying with government legislation, and this must be matched with improving the infrastructure at the campus level,” said the spokeswoman.