When evaluating internet filtering and monitoring software for schools, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the options.
But if you’re responsible for safeguarding, digital safety, or IT procurement, three Smoothwall solutions should be on your radar: Smoothwall Monitor, Smoothwall Cloud Filter, and Smoothwall Classwize.
Each plays a distinct role in creating a safe, effective digital learning environment. So which one is essential, which is recommended, and which is a valuable extra?
In this article, we’ll break down each product to help you make the right decision based on your schools needs.
Why choose Smoothwall?
Before we dive into the products, here’s a bit of background on Smoothwall.
Smoothwall is a well-established provider of digital safety solutions, with a strong presence in the UK education sector. It offers some of the best internet filtering software for schools.
Its technology is used by over one in three UK schools, offering tools designed specifically to support safeguarding, online filtering, and classroom management.
The company’s focus on education means its products are built to align with the needs of schools, trusts, and independent institutions alike.
Smoothwall Monitor
The Non-Negotiable
Smoothwall Monitor is the foundation of any robust internet filtering strategy.
It provides real-time alerts when students engage in potentially harmful online behaviour — from cyberbullying and self-harm to accessing inappropriate content.
These alerts are reviewed by trained human moderators, ensuring that safeguarding teams are only notified when action is genuinely needed.
For schools looking to meet their statutory safeguarding obligations and proactively protect student wellbeing, Smoothwall Monitor is the product you need.
Smoothwall Cloud Filter
The Recommended Layer of Protection
Smoothwall Cloud Filter ensures students only access appropriate content, whether they’re in the classroom, at home, or on the move.
It’s cloud-based, device-agnostic, and easy to manage — making it ideal for schools with 1:1 device programmes or hybrid learning models.
While not a legal requirement, it’s a best-practice solution for internet filtering in schools that want to maintain a safe and distraction-free learning environment.
Smoothwall Classwize
The Classroom Advantage
Smoothwall Classwize gives teachers real-time visibility and control over what students are doing online during lessons.
It allows staff to guide, pause, or block access to websites and apps instantly — helping to keep students focused and engaged.
It’s not essential for safeguarding, but it’s a powerful tool for improving classroom management and giving teachers confidence in a digital-first environment.
Why Bundling All Three Makes Sense
Each of these tools delivers value on its own. But when combined, they offer a comprehensive solution for internet filtering in schools — from safeguarding and monitoring to classroom control.
That’s why we recommend the Smoothwall Bundle: Monitor, Cloud Filter, and Classwize, working together to protect students, support teachers, and simplify IT management.
And through Devices for Education, you can access the full Smoothwall Bundle with the Samsung Galaxy Book3 360, EduGuard Asset Protection, and full support — all for as little as 95p per day per device.
More Than Just Monitoring
Devices for Education is designed to make digital transformation for education simple and sustainable.
Alongside internet monitoring for schools, it offers:
- Flexible financing with no upfront costs
- Full support and training for staff
- Optional 1:1 parent leasing schemes
- Free device training for teachers
- VAT-smart options for both state and independent schools
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re looking for a smarter way to manage internet filtering in your school, the Smoothwall Bundle is a proven, affordable solution.
It’s safeguarding, filtering, and classroom control — all in one, fully supported and ready to go.
Ryan may have been with HardSoft since 2008, but has confessed he “might still be on probation, we haven’t really talked about it”. The move to Devices for Teams by HardSoft was a natural one for him. “I like a challenge and prefer solution selling or trying to find the right product for a task”.
Ryan specialises in MDM, Jamf and Cisco Meraki and his interests include Films, Gaming and a proper cup of tea!
LinkedIn: Ryan Kelly
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 0204 551 0473