Replacement for hardware and software within schools: FOI release

Information requested

1. What funds does the Scottish Government provide for local authorities /schools to update poorly functioning and old hardware and software, which some pupils have to use to submit material for Nat 5s and Highers? E.g. Graphics Communications or Art exams requiring the submission of material designed on school computers. Are funds available, for example to replace inadequate technology with iPads? If so, please state how much and when available.

2. Does the Scottish Government have a fund that all families can apply to so that they do not have to buy technology used for school exams themselves, e.g. iPads? If so, how much is available to parents?

Response

1. Local authorities are responsible for the purchase, maintenance and replacement of assets within their learning estate, including digital devices. It is for local authorities to make decisions on the provision of hardware and software in line with their local digital strategies. At present, there are no Scottish Government funds available to specifically support the replacement or upgrade of outdated technology in schools. In 2020/21, we provided £25 million to local authorities across Scotland to tackle digital exclusion, resulting in over 72,000 devices and 14,000 internet connections being distributed to children and young people to support their learning.

2. There are no Scottish Government funds available to support families with the purchase of technology for use in school exams.

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The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.