Haslingden High School
"iPad has made learning suitable and accessible to all, so that all parents and students can engage at the highest level"
Justin Roper, Head of eLearning
1800+
Apple Devices on site
1:1
iPad for students
Almost a decade ago, Haslingden High School began exploring emerging technologies to enhance classroom learning. A dedicated team, supported by the school’s leadership and MCC Digital, undertook trials with various devices, assessing their capabilities, software availability, portability, battery life, and other critical factors. A central consideration was the provision of support for teaching staff, digital champions, and the leadership team, recognising that their decisions would shape the educational environment for years to come.
After careful evaluation, the team determined that the iPad was the optimal choice to fulfil the school's educational objectives and facilitate classroom learning. Currently, the school is rolling out nearly 1,900 iPads as part of a comprehensive one-to-one scheme, ensuring that each pupil has access to their own device for both school and home use.
OFSTED has commended Haslingden High School for its effective use of iPads and robust assessment systems. With an emphasis on feedback retrieval practices and low-stakes assessment tools such as Socrative, Quilt, and Kahoot, the school has implemented innovative teaching strategies that would not be feasible without each student having a personal device.
“Parents are supportive of our one-to-one device rollout. The parents understand how their children are learning in school and can see the benefits”.
Justin Roper, Head of eLearning, reflected on the initial vision for the iPad initiative: "We sought devices that could be utilised at both school and home. Initially, a one-to-one scheme seemed financially unattainable, prompting us to explore alternative solutions. We recognised the iPad as a versatile family device, not restricted to school use, allowing students to engage with their studies as well as personal interests."
The positive response from parents during consultations contributed significantly to the project's success. Nearly a decade later, it is well established that the iPad scheme is integral to the educational experience at Haslingden High School.
To support the one-to-one scheme, the school allocated funds, primarily sourced from savings generated by its transition to a paperless environment. The remaining costs are covered through monthly contributions from parents, with pupil premium funding available to assist families facing financial challenges. While families can opt to provide their own devices, these must be registered within the school’s systems, and the onus for insurance lies with the families.
The school collaborates closely with MCC Digital, its chosen Apple Authorised Education Specialist, who supply iPad and various support services to facilitate a successful one-to-one programme. This partnership ensures that both the school and parents receive optimal value in terms of devices and ongoing support.
MCC Digital have and continue to be incredibly helpful. Each year, it is gratifying to see the iPads arrive, neatly boxed and numbered for distribution. Their organisation has saved us significant time during the rollout process
One of the unexpected advantages of the scheme has been the strengthened relationship with parents. “We didn't anticipate this development, but we now enjoy a much more supportive dynamic with families. They are increasingly aligned with our educational objectives and more engaged in their children's learning. I believe the iPad initiative has helped them better understand our vision."
Hear from Haslingden
“The iPads have made learning suitable and accessible to all, so that all parents and students can engage, not just the haves and have nots. That’s why we were so insistent from the start that we had a device that could go home with the children”.
“iPads were a trigger to change”, they changed the way we interacted with parents, communication is much easier. We no longer have paper homework planners, timetables, lunch orders, or reports. Exam entries and attendance can all be communicated to the parents through the iPad too.”
“Parents are supportive of our one-to-one device rollout. The parents understand how their children are learning in school and can see the benefits”.