Council moves ahead with multi-million investment in digital device roll-out for schools

Fife Council is moving forward with its ambitious digital learning strategy that will integrate technology into the classroom and ensure learners are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in an increasingly connected world.

As part of the strategy, it is intended that every learner from P6 to S6 will receive a digital device, transforming the learning experience for over 30,000 young people across the region.

The ‘Transforming Learning in Fife’ strategy being developed is set to equip students and their teachers with the devices and skills needed to promote educational equity and enhance learning in Fife’s 132 primary schools, 18 high schools and 5 special schools.

The business case, currently being developed, will be considered as part of the budget process. Once endorsed, the 1:1 digital device roll-out is planned to begin in May 2025 onwards, starting with teachers, followed by a phased distribution to pupils from August 2025. Plans being developed aim to, by the end of the 2025/26 academic year, distribute over 35,000 devices to pupils and teachers, ensuring every pupil from P6 to S6 has equal access to digital resources and tools.

Cllr David Ross, Fife Council Leader, said: “Our 'Transforming Learning in Fife' strategy reinforces our commitment to building a better future for Fife's children. Digital learning and teaching are now critical for our pupils and schools. This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to improving educational outcomes and ensuring that every young person has the tools needed to thrive in a digitally driven world.

"At the heart of the programme is the provision of digital devices to all pupils from P6 to S6, creating new opportunities to enhance digital skills. This will be backed by investment in teacher training to transform the learning experience in Fife. This initiative is a major step towards in enabling more interactive and engaging experiences for both students and teachers.

"Our digital devices in schools strategy reinforces our commitment to a 'Fairer Fife' and supports our ongoing work to improve the lives of all our young residents."

Angela Logue, Education Head of Service, Fife Council said: “In today’s digital world, access to technology is central to learning. Through our ‘Transforming Learning in Fife’  strategy we're harnessing the teaching and learning opportunities that technology offers.

“This brings a broad range of benefits that are associated with digital inclusion and enabling access to digital tools and resources to enhance the learning experience. It not only supports collaboration and personalised learning, but also equips pupils with critical digital literacy and the thinking skills essential for their future success.”

Key benefits:

Learning anytime, anywhere: Pupils from P6-S6 can access learning materials outside the classroom, whether at home or on the go, fostering flexibility and independent learning.
Engagement through technology: Digital tools make learning more interactive and engaging, helping to captivate pupils’ attention and empower both learners and teachers,
Personalised learning for all: Devices come equipped with built-in accessibility features that cater to diverse learning needs. This makes it easier for pupils to learn in ways that suit them, whether through visual aids, text-to-speech, or other adaptive technologies.
Preparing for the digital future: Technology is now a core part of daily life, and this initiative ensures pupils develop the essential digital skills they need to thrive in today’s tech-driven society.
Supporting teachers: By streamlining lesson delivery and providing digital tools for assessment, teachers spend more time focusing on students. Digital learning programmes reduce admin tasks, allowing more time for personalised student support.

Fife Council is also exploring the use of a consistent learning platform to support and strengthen learning at home and in school, from nursery though to S6.

The business case will require significant investment, and will ensure that the devices meet the highest security and safety standards.

Further details will be communicated to parents, carers and pupils in due course.