Fife Council is celebrating the successful delivery of the first phase of its ambitious Transforming Learning programme, which is already enhancing education for tens of thousands of young people across the region.

A report to the Education Scrutiny Committee (19 May) highlights significant progress since the programme began in May 2025, including the rollout of iPads to all P6-S6 pupils and teaching staff across Fife’s schools.

In total, more than 27,900 devices have been issued to learners and almost 4,000 to teaching staff, helping create more inclusive, engaging and accessible learning environments.

The programme, backed by long-term investment, is designed to improve outcomes for learners by integrating digital technology into everyday classroom practice. Early feedback shows the initiative is already making a real difference.

Teachers and learners report that iPads are making learning more accessible and efficient, with many pupils saying it is now easier to take notes, access resources and complete work.

The programme is also helping to reduce barriers to learning, particularly for those with additional support needs, with built-in accessibility features supporting greater inclusion.

Early data shows:

• Increased pupil engagement and participation
• More consistent use of digital learning tools
• Improved access to resources and quicker feedback for pupils
• Significant reductions in printing in some schools

Importantly, young people are demonstrating strong responsibility when using their devices, with less than 0.4% reported lost or damaged - far below expected levels and demonstrating the strong culture of responsible use promoted across Fife’s schools and the conscientious approach taken by learners in caring for their devices.

Councillor Kathleen Leslie, Convener of Fife Council’s Education Scrutiny Committee, said: “This is a hugely positive milestone for Transforming Learning in Fife.

“We’ve delivered a programme of significant scale at pace, ensuring that tens of thousands of young people and staff now have access to high-quality digital tools to support learning.

“What’s particularly encouraging is the early impact we’re seeing in our classrooms - from increased engagement and improved access to learning, to the way our young people are confidently and responsibly using their devices.

“This programme is not about technology alone - it’s about supporting excellent teaching and giving every child and young person the opportunity to succeed.

“As we move into the next phase, we’ll continue to build on this strong foundation to ensure digital learning enhances education for all across Fife.”

The report confirms that Phase 1 has been delivered on time and on budget, supported by extensive professional learning for staff; strong partnership working across council services; and major infrastructure upgrades to ensure every classroom in Fife has the capability to wireless cast from teacher iPads.

Indeed, compared with other Scottish local authorities, Fife is the only council to deliver both a full 1:1 device programme and a compatible, authority-wide classroom casting solution within a single academic year.

The Directorate continues to take seriously parents’ concerns over screen time and will continue to provide reassurances that it is teachers who improve outcomes, not technology on its own.

With the first phase almost complete, work is already underway on Phase Two, which will expand access by:

• Redeploying used iPads as shared devices in nursery to P5 (nursery to P5)
• Continuing the rollout to new P6 pupils each year
• Further strengthening digital teaching approaches across schools

Craig Martin, Fife Council’s Transforming Learning Lead, concluded: “The success of this first phase reflects meticulous planning, a dedicated central team, and the hard work of staff in every school.

“It also shows what is possible when teams from across the council come together, with services collaborating seamlessly to support a shared ambition.

“As we move into 26/27, the Transforming Learning strategy will sit at the heart of the Directorate's priority to continue to improve the quality of learning, teaching and assessment in all schools and early learning centres.”

With the project moving forward, you can watch a new shareable video case study showcasing the use of iPads at St Andrew’s RC High School in Kirkcaldy here: https://youtu.be/TiQNTKSqMHo