Student iPad Scheme – September 2026

Research and professional experience are clear: technology improves learning only when it is used deliberately and purposefully by expert teachers. Screens do not improve learning on their own, and we have no intention of allowing technology to dictate how lessons are taught. 

At Rosebery: 

• teachers will continue to decide when pen, paper and books are the best tools
• lessons will remain rooted in explanation, discussion, practice and feedback 
• no subject will be expected to use technology if it does not add clear educational value 

The iPad is simply one tool, among many. Used well, it can support drafting and redrafting, high quality feedback, organisation of learning, accessibility and independent study. It is not a replacement for thinking, writing or teaching. 

One of the most important benefits of a one-to-one, school managed device is the way it can support inclusive practice and SEND provision, while still maintaining high expectations for all.

For some students, assistive technology can:

• improve access to written instructions and resources
• support organisation, spelling, planning and independence
• allow adjustments such as text-to-speech, speech-to-text or enlarged text, where appropriate

These tools do not remove challenge or lower standards. Instead, they help ensure that students are able to show what they know and can do, reducing barriers to learning while preserving academic rigour. Use of accessibility features will always be guided by need, professional judgement and existing support plans.

Safeguarding is non-negotiable. Any one-to-one scheme at Rosebery will include: 

• robust filtering, monitoring and device management software tools 
• clear limits and restrictions on what devices can be used for and when 
• explicit teaching of digital safety and responsible use 

These will be school managed devices using a mobile device management system (MDM) designed to support learning safely and appropriately, whether the student is working at school or at home.  

Filtering is preventative and monitoring is reactive, enabling the school to respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns. Filtering and monitoring arrangements are reviewed at least annually in line with DfE guidance and statutory safeguarding requirements.

As a result, these devices will feel and function very differently to personal devices. 

Parents and carers can support safe and balanced use at home through Apple Screen Time or the Jamf Parent app. These tools allow families to set time limits, restrict apps and apply additional web filtering outside school hours.

Whether being used at home or at school, it will not be possible for students to install or access any social media apps. 

Parental controls are paused during the school day to ensure devices are fully available for learning.

A further and important benefit of a one-to-one scheme is that it allows us to remove ambiguity and inconsistency around mobile phones. 

When students have a single, school managed learning device: 

• there is never a need for personal phones to be used for learning or administration during the school day 
• expectations for device use become clearer and easier to enforce 
• boundaries between learning technology and personal technology are strengthened 

This supports focus, reduces distraction and helps us maintain a calm, purposeful learning environment. The iPad would be a learning tool, not a personal mobile phone substitute. However, the scheme will help more families to consider offering their daughter having a smartphone free - or perhaps social media free – childhood. 

Online safety and cyber security are whole-school responsibilities. Clear acceptable use policies will be in place for students, supported by staff oversight and ongoing education about safe, responsible and ethical use of technology.

Senior leaders, safeguarding staff and IT teams work together to ensure effective digital governance and compliance with national guidance.

All apps will be tested and vetted for GDPR compliance before authorised for download and distribution to student devices to protect students’ personal data.

The scheme operates on a parental contribution basis to ensure fairness, affordability and long-term sustainability.

Financial support is available for families who may find it difficult to contribute, including reduced contributions for pupils eligible for free school meals. No student will be excluded from learning opportunities due to financial circumstances.

The scheme would be a lease scheme, funded by parental contributions, as the device needs to remain an asset of the school for the duration of its use.  

We estimate that the monthly lease cost will be approximately £18 per month, however, this will differ slightly depending on your daughter’s year group at the time of starting the scheme. 

At present the proposal is for all of the following items to be covered by the lease payments, for the duration of your daughter’s time at Rosebery: 

• 11-inch iPad (A16 (Silver, Wi-Fi, 128GB)
• Turbo 30W Plug, empower by Panzer Glass - USB-C UK Plug White
• Skriva Stylus for iPad 
• Protective case 
• Screen protector 
• Warranty & insurance 
• MDM & safeguarding control 
• All educational apps & subscriptions required for school and home use 

We are currently also exploring a device ‘refresh’ option after three years and the ability to purchase or own the device at the end of the lease period, which may change the monthly fee slightly. 

We will also look to offset the financial impact on families by reducing requests for other parental contributions for items such as revision guides, dictionaries and some Art and DT resources. 

During the contribution period, the iPad remains the property of Rosebery School.

At the end of the scheme (end of Year 11 or Year 13) we are planning for ownership of the iPad to transfer to parents or carers once all agreed contributions have been completed and any final residual value payment required made. At the point of transfer the device will be factory reset, and all MDM software removed.

Students are expected to take good care of their iPad. Devices can be remotely locked and wiped if lost. The lease includes repair and/or replacement devices for accidental damage or faulty device operation. However, deliberate, careless or repeated damage/loss may result in repair costs being charged.

As part of the proposal, we aim to move away from Google Classroom and support student learning by moving teaching resources onto Microsoft Teams and One Note.