Chorley St James
“We wanted to be part of something which would transform and improve the pedagogy within our classrooms, thus impacting on children’s learning, creativity and ultimately attainment”.
Andrew Clarke, Deputy Head
1:1
iPad for
Students
1:1
iPad for
Educators
11 year
Partnership with MCC Digital
St James’ Church of England Primary School and Nursery, located in Chorley, Lancashire, serves 240 pupils aged three to eleven, many of whom come from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds, as indicated by free school meal eligibility and pupil premium rates that exceed national averages.
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A decade ago, the school faced numerous challenges: a satisfactory Ofsted report, declining enrolment, poor attendance, and widespread underachievement. The quality of teaching varied significantly, and professional development for staff was limited. Parental engagement was also minimal, hampering the school’s ability to improve.
Recognising the urgent need for transformation, the Senior Leadership Team began crafting an ambitious vision to enhance teaching and learning. At that time, technology in education was largely confined to outdated IT suites, where slow and unreliable desktop computers hindered effective learning experiences.
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Headteacher Claire Greenway, through collaboration with MCC Digital and a local cluster of schools, secured an iPad for evaluation. The device quickly demonstrated its transformative potential, prompting the leadership team to procure additional iPad Minis from the local educational authority though MCC Digital. This partnership marked the beginning of a significant shift in the school's technological landscape.
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Following the initial deployment, the school invested in additional devices. MCC Digital facilitated the establishment of a local server for app distribution, enrolled the school in the Volume Purchase Programme, and provided ongoing professional development through an Apple Professional Learning Specialist. A ‘Planning Essentials’ session helped to clarify the vision and set measurable targets, culminating in a comprehensive strategic plan that integrated technology into the broader school development framework. This vision received robust support from the governing body and was embraced by all stakeholders.
Through our work with MCC Digital, I receive better value for money, though affordable deployment options and far superior after-sales support.”
Claire Greenway, Deputy Head
In September 2021, St James’ was recognised as an ‘Apple Distinguished School’ by Apple, affirming its status as a centre of innovation and educational excellence, an status that has since been renewed multiple times, most recently, in 2024. This accolade confirmed the commitment of the leadership team, staff, and the wider community to improving educational outcomes.
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Today, every pupil from Year 1 to Year 6 has access to a personal iPad, enabling them to become curious, investigative digital creators. Pupils use various iPad functionalities—such as screen recording, annotation, split-screen multitasking, dictation, photography, and videography—to produce high-quality, personalised work. This technology fosters accessibility and independence in learning.
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The integration of technology has become central to daily practices. All staff members, including teachers and teaching assistants, have achieved Apple Teacher status, enhancing their ability to leverage the iPad as an educational tool. Features like ‘Classroom’ and ‘AirPlay’ have transformed the learning environment, enabling quick and effective collaboration.
St James’ vision emphasises integrating mobile technology within the curriculum to raise standards and motivate learners in both school and home settings. The school also facilitates the sharing of best practices through open days and events, connecting with over a hundred schools across North West England.
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An Ofsted inspection in 2020 noted that “pupils benefit from an exciting and engaging curriculum,” commending the leadership for creating a carefully planned curriculum centred on Christian values and technology.​​