In a Nutshell...
Learning with technology is an essential part of life at St Paul’s. Instant access to a digital device, both in lessons and at home, helps students think critically, work independently, and thrive in a world shaped by technology.
Our charity’s Device Scheme ensures every student has access to a high-quality digital device to support their learning both at school and at home. While joining the scheme is optional, we strongly encourage all families to take part for the most seamless and consistent learning experience.
We’re incredibly grateful that 100% of our current families have chosen to support the scheme; a reflection of our shared commitment to digital learning.
Device Provision
If joining the E-Learning Foundation charity, students receive an iPad for use throughout Key Stage 3. At the end of Year 9, this device is exchanged for a new one to support them through Key Stage 4 and their GCSEs.
Included Benefits
- Insurance covering accidental damage and theft (with conditions and small excess fee).
- Extended warranty for hardware faults and manufacturing defects.
- Protective case and screen protector included.
- Access to full Office 365 suite and licensed educational apps.
- Cloud storage for easy access to work anywhere.
- Ongoing in-school technical support and training.
- Age-appropriate internet filtering at home and school.
- Safe, secure management with Mobile Device Management (MDM).
- Regular training on online safety and responsible digital citizenship.
Monthly Donation
We ask parents to donate £17 per month (equivalent to 56p a day). This donation means we can provide all of the above and the infrastructure to support such a scheme.
If your family is in receipt of Free School Meals or Pupil Premium, or you have concerns about affordability, please get in touch with us directly via [email protected].
We will do our best to support you in joining the scheme confidentially and in a way that’s manageable for your circumstances.
How to Enrol
For detailed information and to complete these steps, please refer to the Sign Up section which will guide you through the steps to:
- Pay a £50 deposit.
- Set up a monthly Direct Debit for £17.
- Sign the agreement.
Our Vision for Learning Beyond the Classroom
At St Paul’s, our approach to digital learning is rooted in our core values: inclusion, dignity, and a belief in every child’s potential.
We don’t see devices as add-ons or gimmicks, but as essential tools to ensure every student has access to learning whenever and wherever it’s needed.
Our one-to-one Device Scheme helps students take ownership of their learning, practise digital responsibility, and build the confidence, creativity and adaptability that the future demands. It’s about more than technology, it’s about unlocking opportunity, supporting personal growth, and preparing every student to flourish in a connected world.
Technology for Learning
Technology, when used thoughtfully, plays a powerful role in helping our students become critical thinkers, problem-solvers and creators. At St Paul’s, we use technology to support higher-order thinking, skills like analysis, evaluation, creativity and self-reflection, so that students can engage deeply, collaborate meaningfully, and grow in confidence.
This doesn’t replace traditional teaching. Books, discussion, and teacher-led instruction remain essential. But with technology, learning becomes even more dynamic, helping students prepare for a fast-changing world where adaptability and digital confidence are key.
Preparing Students for the 21st Century
At St Paul’s, technology isn’t an add-on, it’s a tool for transformation. Digital learning can spark creativity, support deeper thinking, and open doors to future opportunities. But beneath these outcomes sits something deeper: a belief that every student deserves the tools and support to thrive in a connected, fast-changing world, not just in school, but in life.
St Paul's E-Learning Foundation
About the Charity
In 2004, we established the St Paul’s E-Learning Foundation to help us achieve our vision, that every child at St Paul’s should share the benefits of e-learning with the use of a digital mobile device, for use at school and at home.
We invite families to make a regular monthly donation to the e-learning foundation, and as a registered charity, we can claim Gift Aid from the Inland Revenue. If enough donations and Gift Aid are received, we can provide a device to all members of the scheme.
Explore the Device
iPad 11-Inch (A16 Chip)
We continually review the tools we use to ensure they align with our vision for future-facing, inclusive education. For us, the iPad remains the most effective device for enhancing learning: flexible, intuitive, and supported by a vast ecosystem of educational apps.
As well as offering powerful features for creativity, collaboration and accessibility, the iPad carries a sense of quality and purpose that students recognise. Its professional, high-spec feel encourages students to treat it with care, take pride in their learning, and see it as a valuable tool for school and beyond.
From multimedia projects to real-time feedback, the iPad helps us bring our digital strategy to life, both in school and at home.
- 11″ Liquid Retina Display
- 2360 x 1640-pixel resolution at 264 pixels per inch
- 6GB RAM
- A16 chip, 5 core CPU, 4-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
- 12MP Wide camera, f/1.8 aperture
- 4K video at 24/25/30fps + slow motion and time lapse
- Cinematic video stabilisation
- USB-C Connector for charging
- Touch ID in Top Button
- Microphone and Stereo Speakers
- Wi-Fi 6
- Bluetooth
- 128GB Storage
- 7mm thin and 477g weight
- Up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi‐Fi or watching video
- Supports Apple Pencil USB-C (not included)
The Best Device for Learning
11″ Liquid Retina Display
2360 x 1640-pixel resolution at 264 pixels per inch
6GB RAM
A16 chip, 5 core CPU, 4-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
12MP Wide camera, f/1.8 aperture
iPads in Action
Grace Woerndl (Year 9)
In subjects like Science, Geography and French, we use apps like Quizizz and Socrative for quick feedback so we can see where we need to improve straight away.
We also use Teams, OneNote and Teams Assignments to organise our notes, access lessons at home, and get feedback from teachers.
Ellie Cullen (Year 8)
I use Apple Books and Word to highlight key ideas, write notes, and revise texts.
It’s great being able to use the iPad for videos, recordings and even voice notes. It helps me learn in different ways.
Educational Apps
The Possibilities for Learning are Endless
Giving Learning a Boost
Increased independence and personalisation of work;
Access to teaching resources anytime, anywhere;
Better collaboration with students and staff;
Work accessible from anywhere via the cloud;
Develop outstanding digital proficiency;
Better organisation, productivity and time-management;
Giving Learning a Boost
Increased independence and personalisation of work;
Access to teaching resources anytime, anywhere;
Better collaboration with students and staff;
Work accessible from anywhere via the cloud;
Develop outstanding digital proficiency;
Better organisation, productivity and time-management;
SIGN UP TODAY
It is easy to join our E-Learning Foundation. Please follow our simple three-step process below.
For students joining in September 2025, the deadline is Wednesday 16th July 2025.
Pay Your Deposit Online
Please log into SCO Pay (scopay.com) to pay the refundable deposit using the line ‘IT – Device Scheme Deposit’.
We have emailed instructions for how to make online payments to your child’s Priority 1 contact.
Please search your email for ‘Welcome to Online Payments from SPCC’.
Create a New Direct Debit
Please set up a Direct Debit for your monthly donation via our online form.
You will need your bank’s sort code and your account number.
To help us match your Direct Debit to your child, please use the email address we have on record for you.
Sign the Declaration
Once you have completed Steps 1 & 2, you are ready to sign the declaration.
Please complete and sign our short digital declaration below (no paperwork to return).
If you are a UK taxpayer, please say ‘yes’ to Gift Aid to enable us to claim an additional 20% of your donation from the government at no extra cost to you. The scheme cannot survive without Gift Aid. We thank you in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Donations
How much should I donate to the e-learning foundation?
Our recommended donation is currently £17 per month. If enough families sign up to the e-learning foundation, this will mean we can provide your child with a device, for use at school and at home, for their 5-years of schooling. This includes two devices, as the first device will be exchanged at the end of Year 9 with a brand new one (subject to donations) to ensure it is fit-for-purpose during students’ exam years.
Donations do not only cover the cost of purchasing two devices, but also cover other significant costs including technical support and technicians, accidental damage insurance, extended warranty, the necessary infrastructure (including wireless network and broadband), software including Microsoft Office, Office365 and our Gateway platform, the development of in-house software solutions (e.g. our unique ILT system) and training/CPD in device-use.
How are donations collected?
We collect your regular, monthly donation via Direct Debit on the 1st of the month. The Direct Debit will show on your bank statement as STPAULSELEARNING or GoCardless.com. There is no need to cancel the Direct Debit at the end of Year 11 as this will happen automatically.
Can I cancel my Direct Debit?
It simply would not be possible to provide a one-to-one device scheme to our students without the donations from families for which we are very grateful. We ask that you always contact us first by emailing [email protected] if you are worried about your Direct Debit so we can discuss ways to support you.
Under the rules of Direct Debit, you have the right to cancel your mandate at any time, but you should contact us first. Under this circumstance, your child will be asked to return the device they currently have on loan to join a pool of loanable devices. Instead, will do our best to loan your child a device from the IT Helpdesk pool when needed during the school day (subject to availability) which is returned on a daily basis.
What happens if I feel unable to participate in the scheme?
It is important you contact the school so that we can arrange for you to speak in confidence to one of our team. The easiest way to initiate contact with us is by emailing [email protected]. We will arrange a brief face-to-face or telephone conversation with you to discuss how best we can support you and your child in all aspects of school life.
Use for Learning
Why can't I bring my own device?
Software licencing restrictions prevent us from being able to install the educational software on devices which are not owned by the College. Using the same device allows our teachers and IT technicians to provide the best support. If the device fails, we can give you a same day replacement (where possible).
How much will students actually use the device?
We want to promote a culture where students take ownership of their device and demand use of it every day as part of their learning, alongside traditional teaching and learning methods. The device will be used daily by students, sometimes as directed by the teacher and sometimes through students’ own initiative.
I'm worried about my child's reading, writing and spelling skills because of their use of ICT...
We are very aware of the careful balance that needs to be achieved between the use of ICT and traditional skills like writing by hand, reading and spelling. Students will use their device every day but not in every lesson. Using technology can be a really powerful way of boosting a students’ reading age and literacy skills, in a fun engaging way.
Will the device be locked down restricting what we can do with it?
The College place some restrictions on the device (see ‘whitelisting’) as this helps to keep the device in good working order ensuring it can be used for outstanding learning. If you would like to install your own software, you can do so provided it has some educational relevance and is not detriment the device. Please contact our IT Helpdesk if you need help and support in managing your child’s device.
I'm worried the iPad could be a distraction for my child...
Teachers and students are used to a culture of using technology in the classroom as a powerful tool to enhance attainment through increased engagement, collaboration and innovative learning. Our experience is that the iPad will help motivate students to work but our teachers are also trained to keep students on task.
I'm concerned about the screen size and keyboard on the iPad...
Students are far more used to these kind of agile devices than we are. Our experience is that the screen size and keyboard do not present students with any challenges. We are conditioned to using ‘traditional’ keyboards and screens so it often takes adults a bit longer to adjust.
How are devices managed and monitored?
The school will set up a ‘management profile’ on the device, enabling the school to push apps, configuration settings and e-books to the device, as well as monitor usage. The school will conduct a regular, random inspection of the device to ensure that it is maintained to an acceptable standard and is being used appropriately. Misuse, neglect or vandalism will be addressed by the school’s pastoral team in accordance with the school’s behaviour policy. The school will provide software updates from time-to-time to keep the device functioning effectively.
What is 'whitelisting'?
The device will be restricted to use only ‘whitelisted’ apps that have been approved for use by the school. We encourage students to use a wide variety of educational tools, and both students and teachers can submit apps for approval by the school to extend the whitelist further. Not included in the whitelist are many entertainment, social and communication apps.
Handling, Care and Repairs
How should students look after their device?
The student must report any technical issues with their device to the Helpdesk immediately so that they can be resolved. The student will have been given training in handling and care of their device, and families are asked to reinforce good practice at home and at school. It is imperative that the device is always protected by its case and glass screen protector as a condition of accidental damage insurance. Any damage, accidental, deliberate or through neglect, is to be reported to the Helpdesk immediately.
What happens if the device goes wrong?
Students can return the device to the IT Helpdesk and it will be corrected or replaced the same day (where possible). If the device is accidently broken, a charge of £40 is payable after which the device will be replaced with another.
Insurance and Warranty
What are the conditions of the accidental insurance?
A condition of the accidental insurance cover is that the device must always be protected by the device case and glass screen protector. In the event of accidental damage, the student must provide a detailed written statement, known as a Statement of Incident, outlining the accident. The school will complete the necessary claim form based on the student’s statement and an assessment will be made of the device. All claims must be submitted within 14 days of the damage occurring. Provided the claim is accepted, an excess waiver of £40 is due before the repair process can begin, and upon receipt, the student’s device will be repaired, or replaced, as appropriate.
What is not included in the accidental insurance?
We reserve the right to reject any claim, which includes but is not limited to
- where more than one claim have been made in any 12-month period
- where there have been four or more claims in total
- the student’s statement is inconsistent with the damage presented
- there is evidence that the damage was caused deliberately or through neglect
In these cases, the school will not be liable for the cost of repair or replacement. Cosmetic damage, chargers, cases and screen protectors are not covered by insurance.
What happens in the event of loss/theft?
The school will fully investigate any loss that occurs on school property and keep the student, and family, informed of any findings. Loss is not covered by the school’s insurance policy but must be reported to the school immediately so that the school can support you with locating the device. Theft may be covered by the school’s insurance policy, provided the device was stolen from a locked and secured place, and there is evidence of forceable entry. Cases of theft must be reported to the police within 24 hours, and claims must be supported by a Police Crime Reference Number. You may consider insuring the device under your own household insurance policy.
What is covered under warranty?
The device is protected by an extended warranty, covering the full period of operation (up to three years). A faulty device battery, charger and case are covered by a one-year warranty only. If a charger is faulty within the one-year warranty, it can be returned to the Helpdesk for a no cost replacement, provided the fault is reported within seven working days. Outside of the warranty period, replacements can be purchased from the Helpdesk at cost price subject to availability (full price list available on request). Damaged devices, chargers, cases and screen protectors are not covered by warranty.
End of Scheme
What happens to the device if a student leaves St Paul's before the end of Year 11?
The devices are owned by the Foundation, so would need to be returned on or before the student’s last day at school. We will refund your £50 deposit upon safe return of the device. If device is returned damaged and this appears to be accidental, the insurance excess of £40 is deducted from the deposit. If the damage appears to be caused through neglect, poor handling and care or vandalism, the full deposit will be retained. Devices are disabled on the student’s last day of school.
What happens at the end of the scheme?
At the end of Year 11, provided the family have contributed enough donations, the family will be offered the opportunity to take ownership of the device. A nominal £1 will be payable (usually deducted from the deposit) and the device will no longer be owned by the school. Any school-imposed monitoring or restrictions on the device will be lifted.
If the family choose not to transfer ownership of the device, it must be returned to the Helpdesk in good working order (usually on the day of their last exam). If device is returned damaged and this appears to be accidental, the insurance excess of £40 is deducted from the deposit. If the damage appears to be caused through neglect, poor handling and care or vandalism, the full deposit will be retained. Devices are disabled on the day of the student’s last exam.
Will the device last for 5 years?
The scheme runs for 5 years until the end of Year 11. We hope donations will continue to the Foundation so that students’ devices can be exchanged with a new replacement at the start of Year 10. If during the exchange a student’s old device is returned damaged, families will be asked to pay the £40 insurance excess.
At the end of the scheme, provided you have met the minimum threshold for donations, it should be possible to offer transfer of ownership from the school’s governors to you. Please note, however, the device will be out of warranty and will no longer be supported by the College.
How will my deposit be returned?
The family’s deposit will be returned using the original payment method (historically by cheque but increasingly via SCOPay.com). This usually happens within 10 working days either on receipt of the device in good working order or following transfer of ownership (with £1 deducted).
