Gosfield School announced a significant development in its commitment to enhancing digital learning, introducing a managed 1:1 learning device model from September as part of its wider Digital Strategy and in line with the latest government guidance.
After careful review, Gosfield School has selected the iPad as its official learning device for students. The school highlighted the device’s strong balance of educational applications, built-in tools supporting digital literacy, and extensive accessibility features designed to help students achieve their full potential.
Each iPad will be centrally managed through device management software, enabling a safe, structured and purposeful digital learning environment. Robust filtering and content restrictions will be in place to safeguard students online. Access to the App Store will be restricted, with only school-approved applications available for installation. Teachers will also be able to view, control and lock student devices during lessons to ensure focused learning.
From September 2026, students currently in Years 4, 6, 8 and 9 will each be issued with an iPad as part of the Gosfield School Learning Device package. Younger pupils in Reception to Year 4 will use two banks of shared iPads, replacing existing Chromebooks. Each device package will include an 11th Generation iPad, a durable keyboard case, stylus, screen protector, and three years of insurance cover.
The school confirmed that remaining year groups will receive devices in September 2027, allowing for a phased rollout that maximises the use of existing recently purchased equipment and ensures value for money. Where a student’s current device requires earlier replacement, the school will provide a Gosfield School Learning Device ahead of schedule upon request.
During the first weeks of the new academic year, students will receive dedicated instruction on how to use their devices effectively, care for them responsibly, and engage with a range of educational and creative applications.
The initiative also aligns with the school’s strengthened Mobile Phone Policy and wider commitment to supporting healthy digital habits, including appropriate screen time awareness and responsible technology use.
The school stated that the introduction of managed devices will also support the positive use of artificial intelligence in learning. Students in Year 8 and below will use Canva AI, while students in Year 9 and above will use Microsoft Copilot, reflecting age-appropriate access in line with platform guidance. All AI tools will require students to log in using their school email accounts to ensure safeguarding, data protection, and privacy, with prompts and outputs not used to train external AI models.
To support families, the school will host an online webinar on Monday 27th April at 5:30pm, providing further detail on its Digital Strategy and the decision to adopt the iPad as its chosen learning device.