Published Date: Mar 6th, 2025
‘Transforming Learning Fife’ 1:1 iPads roll out business case approved
Fife Council's £50 million ‘Transforming Learning Fife’ programme has taken a significant step forward, with the full business case approved by the Cabinet Committee today, March 6, 2025. This ambitious education programme will provide every P6 to S6 pupil across Fife with a personal device, marking a major milestone in enhancing digital learning opportunities.
The total investment includes £34.5 million budget included in the Capital Investment Plan 2025-2035 and an additional £15 million to be committed over the next 10 years to support the programme.
The digital device roll-out will begin from May 2025, starting with teachers, followed by a phased distribution to pupils from August 2025. By the end of the 2025/26 academic year the council aims to distribute over 35,000 devices across Fife schools.
The Transforming Learning initiative is set to bring cutting-edge technology to classrooms to help raise attainment, boost attendance and increase opportunities for pupils. Deploying 1:1 iPads will allow pupils to learn at their own pace and engage with interactive content, catering to diverse learning styles and individual needs, leading to better outcomes.
Since 2016, 10 Scottish councils have rolled out similar programmes, with clear benefits such as improved attendance, increased engagement, positive family feedback, and enhanced digital skills for both teachers and students.
Cllr Cara Hilton, Spokesperson – Education, Fife Council, said: "We need to make a digital shift in learning now to realise our commitment to building a better future for Fife's children. Our 'Transforming Learning in Fife' strategy is a major step towards enabling more quality interactive and engaging experiences for our both students and teachers.
“It is vital we give our young people the tools that will help them learn in a form that suits them and to provide opportunities for them to thrive. This is part of our ongoing ambition to improve educational outcomes and ensure that every young person has the tools and digital skills needed to thrive in today’s tech-driven society.”
Donald Macleod, Executive Director, Education, Fife Council, said: “Through the ‘Transforming Learning in Fife’ programme we're harnessing the critical teaching and learning opportunities that technology offers. At the programme’s heart is the provision of digital devices to pupils from P6 to S6, creating new opportunities to enhance digital learning, anytime and anywhere. This will be backed by investment in professional learning for staff to truly transform the learning experience in Fife."
“Digital tools enhance engagement, making learning more interactive for both pupils and teachers. The Transforming Learning initiative will provide a range of benefits including a more personalised approach to learning, particularly benefiting students facing learning barriers.”
The rollout of devices for all P6-S6 students and teaching staff, along with essential training and professional development, will now begin, ensuring students and educators are equipped with the tools and skills needed for success.
This will mean pupils can access learning materials outside the classroom, whether at home or on the go, fostering flexibility and independent learning.
Hannah McRichie, S6 Pupil at Woodmill High School, talked about the benefits of having individual devices, saying: “The devices are really helpful because you're able to use them at home as well as in school. A lot of our work is now online, so they make studying much more accessible and a lot easier. They are helpful for a range of subjects and we use them in more in our classes now. It will make a massive difference to people to have their own device.”
George Foxlow, S6 Pupil at Woodmill High School, said: “Learning online is more accessible because you can easily find lots of resources. With lessons available online, we can ask questions in our own time or during study periods. These devices will make it a lot more accessible for people to go to university because they have these devices to help them research and apply."
Every learner P6-S6 will receive a digital device, transforming the learning experience for over 30,000 young people across Fife’s 132 primary schools, 18 high schools and 5 special schools.
In Fife, developing digital technologies and skills is a vital part of a broad general education, preparing learners for the world of work and life. The Transforming Learning strategy is just one of the initiatives run by Fife Council to promote digital learning and literacy in schools.
The ambition is for learning and teaching to be connected, consistent, confident and creative https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/fi/transforminglearning
