A Welsh language version of this FAQ is available.

What is an Internet Domain Name?

Internet users have unique names to distinguish them from other users. These names are called Domain Names.

For example, in the e-mail address: headteacher@schoolname.area.sch.uk, schoolname.area.sch.uk is the Domain Name.

In the web site address: http://www.schoolname.area.sch.uk/courses.html, schoolname.area.sch.uk is the Domain Name.

Why does your school need a Domain Name?

The use of electronic communications is growing rapidly, and a registered Domain Name connected to the Internet is an invaluable tool. It would enable your school to display information on the World Wide Web that can be read by anyone with Internet access (like a prospectus), or alternatively it can be used to send and receive personal e-mail correspondence.

How are school Domain Names allocated?

The School Names on the Net project aims to rationalise the existing structure of school Domain Names. A new national naming scheme has been created and by the end of 2002 it is envisaged that all schools in Wales will have a corresponding Domain Name.

Because many of the 2,000 schools in Wales have similar, if not identical names, it is difficult to avoid duplicating their Domain Names (which would cause the system to break down). All schools have been allocated a Domain Name ending in .sch.uk that has been further linked with a relevant geographical area. The geographical area will appear in the Domain Name, making it easier for Internet users to distinguish between different schools and find the details that they are trying to locate.

How is a .sch.uk Domain Name constructed?

As you will see from the Domain Name you have been allocated, each one is made up of a string of words that starts with either the full or an abbreviated version of <your school name>, followed by the designated <geographical area>, followed by .sch.uk. Each segment is punctuated by a full stop.

How will the Domain Name work?

Registering a Domain Name will not automatically put your school on the Internet. You will also need to establish an Internet connection in order to use the Domain Name: this can be done very easily through an Internet Service Provider (ISP) who will make a charge for this service.

If you would like to receive advice from BECTa on choosing an ISP please indicate on the reply form.

What if your school has registered a Domain Name already?

If your school has an existing Domain Name, it may or may not correspond to the new national naming scheme. In either case, you should still complete and return the Reply form to register your new Domain Name, but include the details of your existing Registration. In the long-term you are advised to switch your existing Domain Name to the one allocated within the new scheme. You should contact your ISP about changing your Domain Name.

Safe Use of the Internet

Both teachers and parents do need to exercise caution in allowing children access to the Internet. However, the potential risk from offensive material should not deter your pupils from using the technology. The educational benefits of learning through the Internet outweigh any possible dangers that it may present. For further information visit the Superhighway Safety website at http://www.safety.ngfl.gov.uk.

What to do next?

Please complete the Registration of your new school Domain Name by returning the attached Reply form in the pre-paid envelope supplied. Alternatively, you can complete your Registration over the Internet by accessing an application form at http://www.nominet.org.uk/schools/reply-card/ and entering the unique reference number that is printed on the front page of this letter.

If you are unsure of how to go about completing your Reply form, or have any queries with your Domain Name Registration, please call the Schools Support Team on 01865 332244.

In order to ensure the registration of your Domain Name, all responses must be returned by 1 October 2002.

Further Information

Nominet UK

Nominet UK manages the Register Database for all Internet Domain Names ending .uk. It is a not-for-profit company that was established in 1996.

British Educational Communications and Technology agency

The remit of the British Educational Communications and Technology agency (BECTa) is to ensure that technology supports the drive to raise educational standards. BECTa aims to provide the professional expertise to support the future development of the National Grid for Learning. BECTa is a UK-wide body and as such works closely with appropriate Government departments in all UK countries.

Web site address: http://www.becta.org.uk

Welsh Assembly Government

Department for Training and Education

Web site address: http://www.wales.gov.uk