5 Essential Considerations Before Launching a 1:1 Device Programme
The ambition to provide every student with their own learning device is more than just a trend; it’s a strategic move that can revolutionise teaching, learning, and student outcomes. For many UK schools, colleges, and Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs), a 1:1 device programme promises personalised learning, enhanced digital literacy, and greater equity. However, as any school leader knows, such a significant project isn’t simply about purchasing a few dozen laptops or tablets.
We’ve seen firsthand how a well-planned rollout can transform a school community. We’ve also seen the pitfalls of a rushed approach—Wi-Fi blackspots, frustrated teachers, and unexpected safeguarding challenges. At PrimaryTech, we understand the pressures faced by UK Senior Leadership Teams (SLTs), from Ofsted frameworks to budget constraints.
Before your school commits to a full-scale 1:1 device rollout, here are five crucial areas that every SLT must address to ensure the programme is not just launched, but truly successful.
1. The Right Infrastructure is Non-Negotiable
A fleet of brand-new devices is only as good as the network they run on. This is perhaps the single most overlooked factor in many school technology rollouts. A home network can cope with a few devices streaming Netflix; a school network needs to handle hundreds, if not thousands, of devices simultaneously, all demanding bandwidth for interactive lessons, cloud-based apps, and video resources.
- Wireless Network Capacity: Can your current Wi-Fi infrastructure support a device for every student and staff member? Will it handle peak usage without grinding to a halt? We’re discussing high-density wireless access points, seamless roaming, and robust network management. A school-wide Wi-Fi survey is an essential first step.
- Wired Connectivity: Remember the backbone. Your switches and fibre connections must be capable of distributing data at speed.
- Internet Uplink: Is your school’s internet connection fast enough? A slow broadband line will bottleneck the entire system, regardless of how good your internal network is. This can lead to significant frustration for teachers and students, hindering the adoption of the new devices.
Without a robust school IT infrastructure, even the most promising 1:1 scheme will fail to meet its potential.
2. Safeguarding and E-Safety Must Be at the Forefront
For school leaders, safeguarding in a 1:1 device programme is a top priority. Introducing personal devices to every child and young person brings new responsibilities and potential risks, which must be managed proactively and in line with statutory guidance such as Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).
- Comprehensive Filtering and Monitoring: Your filtering system must be able to handle a high volume of traffic, be sophisticated enough to block inappropriate content, and provide detailed monitoring logs. Is your current system up to monitoring thousands of devices on and off-site?
- Device Management: You need a strategy for managing devices, ensuring they are used for educational purposes and remain secure. Mobile Device Management (MDM) or similar solutions are essential for remotely configuring, securing, and updating devices and pushing out apps and content.
- Digital Citizenship and Education: It’s not just about technology; it’s about behaviour. Students and staff need clear policies and training on responsible device use. How will you teach students about digital safety and responsible online behaviour?
An effective 1:1 programme integrates technology into a comprehensive safeguarding strategy, not as an afterthought.
3. Professional Development is Key to Success
The most powerful device in the world is useless if teachers aren’t confident using it effectively in the classroom. This is where many excellent ideas stumble. We’ve spoken to countless teachers who feel overwhelmed by new technology and fear it will simply create more work.
- Staff Training: Is there a clear, ongoing CPD plan for staff? Training shouldn’t be a one-off session. It should be an embedded, long-term strategy supporting staff at all digital literacy levels. This includes practical training on using new tools, as well as pedagogical guidance on how to leverage technology to enhance learning outcomes.
- Peer Support: Consider establishing ‘digital leaders’ or champions within departments to provide in-house support and share best practices.
- Time: Allocate dedicated time for staff to explore and plan how to use the devices. This acknowledges the reality of their workload and makes them partners in the project’s success.
A successful 1:1 rollout hinges on investing in your most valuable asset: your staff.
4. Long-Term Budgeting and Total Cost of Ownership
A common mistake is focusing solely on the initial hardware purchase price. The true cost of a 1:1 device programme extends far beyond this. SLTs and School Business Managers (SBMs) must consider the total cost of ownership (TCO) over a three-to-five-year cycle.
- Maintenance and Repair: Devices break. Screens get cracked. Keyboards stop working. What’s your plan for repairs and replacements? Do you have an internal team or a reliable external partner?
- Device Lifespan and Refresh Cycles: When will you replace the devices? Budgeting for a planned refresh cycle is crucial to avoid a considerable capital expenditure shock in the future.
- Software Licences and Subscriptions: Factor in the ongoing costs of software, apps, and cloud services.
- Charging and Storage: Simple, practical considerations like secure charging trollies and lockers for every class can add up quickly.
Planning for these hidden costs upfront ensures your school budget can sustain the programme for years.
5. A Partner, Not Just a Provider
Finally, implementing a 1:1 device programme is complex, and many UK schools lack the internal IT capacity to manage it alone. A managed IT service partner can be the difference between a smooth transition and a logistical nightmare.
A true partner, like PrimaryTech, doesn’t just sell you hardware. We work alongside your leadership team to create a bespoke strategy tailored to your school’s unique needs, budget, and pedagogical goals. We can help with everything from network infrastructure planning and strategic budgeting to providing ongoing on-site and remote IT support that ensures high uptime and minimises disruption.
Launching a 1:1 device programme is a significant undertaking, but it can be one of your school’s most rewarding investments with the correct strategic planning. By addressing these five key areas, you’ll lay the groundwork for your students’ successful, sustainable, and transformative digital future.
Published: September 15