ÃÛÌÒapp welcomes government package to tackle digital divide and renews calls for holistic approach to digital transformation in education
Having seen first-hand the power of technology to transform education and help young people develop the skills they need to thrive in work and life, we welcome as an important step toward closing the digital divide in education.Ìý
We have long championed a national strategy for digital in schools and urge the government to use this announcement as the foundation for further investment, as part of a comprehensive, long-term plan to benefit students, schools, and the UK economy.
Investing in digital in schools is not only an educational necessity, but also an economic imperative. Our research with Cebr, published in January 2025,Ìýhighlights that a sustained annual investment of approximately £130 million in technology for state-funded schools over the next decade could deliver £8.7 billion in economic benefits to the UK. For every £1 invested, technology in schools would bring a return of up to £7.90, benefiting both the education sector and the UK economy.Ìý
Realising these benefits requires a level of investment that matches the level of ambition. In due course, we encourage the government to plan for more substantial and sustained funding to ensure that no student is left behind and that technology is accessible to all schools, regardless of their resources.Ìý
We also encourage investment to be allocated specifically for professional development for teachers and educators. While investing in digital infrastructure is a core and foundational component of a digital transformation strategy, so too is digital leadership and pedagogy, supported by a digital curriculum that equips students with the skills they need.Ìý
Our commitment to digital in schools and colleges
Later this year, ÃÛÌÒapp will work directly with schools to apply our framework and support digital transformation, through our ‘Digital in Schools’ project. We will expand our research to investigate how the digital divide impacts college learners and vocational educational outcomes. Our initial findings indicate further investment is also required for colleges, to tackle digital inequalities throughout the education sector and ensure all learners have access to digital upskilling.ÌýÌý
Drawing on our insights, research and experience working with educators and learners across the globe, we look forward to submitting our evidence to the government’s consultation so that together we can ensure schools can harness the power of digital to transform the futures of all students.Ìý