Digital Learning has been an integral part of teaching and learning at The Leys for over ten years. All pupils use a digital device in the classroom every day. The school started the transition to Microsoft Surface devices in September 2025. From September 2026, all pupils in Years 9 and above will use school-managed Microsoft Surface devices through the Digital Device Scheme.
We introduced the Microsoft Digital Device Scheme in September 2025, delivered in partnership with Easy4U (Class Technology Solutions). The scheme provides a managed Microsoft Surface Pro with comprehensive support, including full hardware warranty, accidental damage and theft insurance, and loan device provision.
From September 2026, participation in the Digital Device Scheme is expected for all pupils in Year Groups 9 and above (including Sixth Form). Parents may choose to purchase the device outright or lease it. Comprehensive support coverage remains mandatory for the expected duration of the pupil’s time at The Leys, regardless of the chosen funding option.
To assist parents in understanding why the school uses a device scheme, our Senior Deputy Head and our Head of Digital Learning have provided this short video:
The Leys Digital Device Scheme, provided by Easy4U, supplies each pupil with a personal digital device fully integrated with our Microsoft 365 learning environment. Parents fund the device via outright purchase or lease but must include mandatory support coverage (warranty, insurance for accidental damage/theft, and loan devices) for the child’s anticipated enrolment period. Support durations are available for 2, 3 or 4 years (with extension options to a 5th year at a later date).
To register or renew, visit the dedicated Leys Easy4U web shop using the link below where you will also find detailed options regarding pricing and registration:
The scheme provides the Microsoft Surface Pro 13 inch with Classroom Pen 2, detachable keyboard, screen protector and robust case. This device meets our specifications: lightweight, touchscreen, detachable keyboard, active stylus, all-day battery life and AI-ready processor. It functions as either a laptop or tablet, integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365 and supports an active blended learning approach.
The Leys has successfully implemented 1:1 devices for many years, and the positive impact is consistently recognised in inspection reports. Providing every pupil with an individual device supports a modern, blended learning experience by enabling consistent access to digital tools both in lessons and at home. Pupils benefit from improved organisation, easier access to learning resources, and the ability to work collaboratively through Microsoft 365 applications. Digital learning also supports different learning styles, helps develop essential 21st‑century skills such as digital literacy and independent research, and gives pupils the flexibility to review materials, revisit feedback, and work at their own pace. The reduction in printed materials also contributes to more sustainable practices across the school. You can read more about the School’s approach to digital learning here.
Using a unified device scheme, such as Easy4U, ensures that all pupils and staff work within the same Microsoft‑based ecosystem, creating a consistent and reliable platform for teaching and learning. Standardising devices reduces technical issues, simplifies support, and ensures that all pupils can use the same applications and tools without compatibility concerns. For staff, this consistency allows teaching approaches and training to be aligned, improving confidence in delivering digital learning and reducing lesson disruption caused by device variability. For the school, centrally managed devices enhance security, safeguarding and compliance, while ensuring that pupils always have access to an up‑to‑date, fully supported device that is ready for learning. The result is a more seamless, efficient and equitable digital experience for everyone.
To align coverage with your child’s expected time at The Leys:
The cost of participating in the Digital Device Scheme varies depending on whether parents choose to purchase the Microsoft Surface Pro 13 inch outright or lease it, and on the duration of the mandatory support coverage selected. We therefore recommend choosing a support period aligned with the year-group guidance above.
Parents who lease the device have the option to retain it at the end of the lease term by forfeiting the initial deposit (otherwise the deposit is refunded upon return of the device in good condition).
We are aware that there is a global increase in device cost, and the school has pushed really hard to keep costs as low as possible. We are pleased to confirm that Easy4U have agreed to maintain the 2025-26 academic year prices for all devices ordered before 31 May 2026. Prices will rise, based on Microsoft’s global price increase, after this date.
Prices for 2025-26 are outlined in the FAQs below. The costs represent the total value provided through the Easy4U scheme, including preparation, management, insurance and support services that cannot be replicated by purchasing a device independently. Full, up-to-date pricing, payment schedules and configuration options (including any applicable taxes or adjustments) will be confirmed when you log in to the dedicated Easy4U web shop.
Yes. All pupils are required to use a digital device. From September 2026, pupils in Years 9 and above must use a school‑managed Microsoft Surface through the Easy4U scheme. This ensures consistent performance, security, filtering and support. Pupils in Years 7 and 8 will continue to use iPads.
No. For Years 9 and above, personal devices cannot replace the school‑managed Surface. The scheme provides central management, safeguarding controls, insurance, repairs, and access to the required keyboard and pen. Personal devices may still be used in boarding houses during non‑learning time, but not for lessons.
Not in every lesson. Devices are used when they enhance teaching and learning, but they do not replace traditional approaches. Teachers continue to prioritise handwriting, discussion, practical tasks and reflective work, and often use the device to record or extend those activities.
The Surface Pro 13″, paired with the Classroom Pen 2, supports a wide range of learning opportunities: note‑taking with digital ink, voice and video capture, collaborative work, data handling, accessibility tools and the use of Microsoft 365 and generative AI. This allows teachers to design richer, more flexible learning experiences.
No. Physical resources will still be used where they are the best tool for learning. However, we expect a gradual shift towards digital copies and shared resources in OneNote and Teams. This helps pupils keep their work organised, reduces lost materials, and supports our environmental commitments.
Our expectations remain the same online and offline, supported by our Pupil Acceptable Use Policy. Standardised devices, combined with network filtering and monitoring, help ensure that pupils stay focused and on‑task during lessons.
Digital literacy is now a core skill for higher education and the workplace. Microsoft tools including Teams, Office 365 and OneNote are used by the vast majority of UK universities and employers, helping pupils transition smoothly to the next stage of their education or career.
We are aware that there is a global increase in device cost, and the school has pushed really hard to keep costs as low as possible. We are pleased to confirm that Easy4U have agreed to maintain the 2025-26 price for all devices ordered before 31 May 2026. Prices will rise, based on Microsoft’s global price increase, after this date.
Prices for 2025-26 are outlined below. The overall cost of the device depends on whether the device is purchased outright or leased, the lease term and the number of years’ support package.
Outright purchase
(The device becomes your property immediately)
Lease (rental option)
(Monthly payments with a lower upfront cost)
At the end of a lease term, parents may choose to keep the device by forfeiting the initial deposit. Alternatively, if the device is returned in good condition, the deposit is refunded.
Final pricing for each academic year is confirmed by Easy4U at the point of ordering.
Yes. The 13″ model has been tested extensively and is well‑suited to classroom desks, portability, and home use. For Years 7 and 8, we will continue using iPads, as staff feedback favours the smaller form factor for younger pupils.
The school uses a strong filtering system on all pupil devices. This means unsuitable content is blocked both at school and when pupils use the device at home.
Parents are able to use our internet filtering provider’s parent portal to see their child’s activity on the school device and manage internet access outside school hours. You can allow or block categories such as social media, gaming or video streaming, or switch off internet access completely if needed. These settings work alongside our school policies while helping families support healthy digital habits.
For safeguarding, all pupil devices also have monitoring software. This alerts staff if it detects signs of bullying, self‑harm, distress or other concerning behaviour, so we can provide support quickly.
Parents remain responsible for supervising device use at home. If you need help or have questions about the system or the internet filtering provider’s parent portal, please contact [email protected] or the School’s safeguarding team.
The devices have an excellent battery which typically lasts a full day of normal usage (with reserve). Charging is available in some classrooms/Houses if needed and overnight in boarding.
Mandatory support covers a comprehensive warranty with unlimited claims, insurance with a £50 excess for accidental/theft, crime reference for theft, and same-day loan devices where possible.
Yes. Our on-site IT team supports school accounts, approved apps, diagnostics and connections during core teaching hours.
Devices enrol in Mobile Device Management for approved app catalogue, updates and resets if needed. This is all managed by our on-site IT team.
Asset tags are attached to each device. Cases and laptops are also labelled with the pupil’s name. We recommend that pupils label their school pen and charger and we provide labels for this when pupils first collect their device.
The keyboard (Type Cover) is covered by the Easy4U scheme, with a small excess, however pens, chargers and cables are not covered by the scheme. The pens are provided with a name sticker. Replacement pens are available at the School Shop from £21 each.
Following a thorough evaluation process, the Microsoft Surface Pro 13” was selected as the best fit for our pupils. It is the only device that meets all our core requirements: a lightweight tablet-style design with a detachable keyboard, full compatibility with our Microsoft 365 learning tools, excellent digital ink capability for handwriting and annotation, and reliable battery life that lasts comfortably through the school day.
Our use of the Surface Pro across several year groups during the 2025/26 academic year has shown it to be a dependable and well-performing device. Pupils and staff have consistently reported fast, smooth operation and outstanding battery life, often lasting 10 to14 hours in real classroom conditions. Its combination of portability, durability and all-day performance has made it highly effective for supporting blended learning throughout the school.
The Digital Device Scheme operates as a comprehensive Device-as-a-Service model, incorporating elements that extend far beyond a simple hardware purchase and cannot be replicated through retail channels. These include pre-delivery preparation of devices (installation of screen protectors, enrolment in the school’s Mobile Device Management system for software delivery and security, and labelling of devices, pens and chargers for easy identification), coordinated delivery to the school and assistance with deployment to pupils at the start of the academic year, maintenance of an on-site pool of spare devices enabling immediate provision of a loan device in the event of loss, damage or failure, and streamlined logistics for handling warranty and insurance claims including transport between the school and the provider.
This centralised approach ensures same-day replacement where possible, minimising disruption to learning for both pupils and staff – an outcome that is practically unattainable without the scheme’s integrated structure and close collaboration between the school and Easy4U. The scheme’s value lies in these embedded support services, which safeguard continuity and provide peace of mind throughout the pupil’s time at The Leys.
The Easy4U contract allows for a full refund before term starts if your child does not join the school. If you have questions after reviewing this page, videos or the Easy4U portal, please contact [email protected].
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