Fife Council has passed a significant milestone in its ambitious Transforming Learning Programme – with well over half of the region’s school pupils now enjoying the benefits of a 1:1 device.

The rollout of iPads to every learner in P6 to S6 started back in August 2025 to revolutionise the teaching and learning experience across Fife’s 132 primary schools, 18 high schools and five special schools.

Feedback has been fantastic so far, and the ambitious project is very much on track with a total of 22,132 iPads successfully distributed by the Council by the end of term in December – more than half of the 35,851 scheduled for rollout.

The final phase of deployment is now under way, focusing on schools in North East Fife in the first few weeks of 2026 before concluding at Queen Anne High School in Dunfermline in mid-March.

Over 90% of schools have received devices for staff, while more than 18,000 (and counting) primary and secondary school pupils now have access to a personalised device - up from 9,828 in October.

Councillor Cara Hilton, Fife Council’s Education Spokesperson, said: “Transforming Learning is not just about technology - it’s about improving teaching, learning, and inclusion for every child in Fife.

“Since the programme launched, deployment has proceeded exactly as planned in the business case approved by elected members which is great news.

“Every time I speak to teachers and pupils involved in the Transforming Learning project, they excite me with where this is going and the sky’s the limit.

“We’re proud to be leading the way and excited about the opportunities this programme is creating for our learners and teachers.”

Early feedback from schools has highlighted the transformative effect of the initiative for pupils, and schools such as Levenmouth Academy and Glenrothes High have pioneered the use of the Showbie digital learning platform to boost homework engagement and returns.

Similarly, the Support for Learners Service is using iPads to create more inclusive classrooms. For example, one recent case study showed how a pupil with situational mutism was able to communicate more effectively than ever before using the device, enabling teachers to better support her needs.

Supporting staff has also been a pivotal part of the project, with more than 104 hours of professional learning delivered by the Education Directorate so far and another 103 hours planned for the coming year.

Feedback from teachers is shaping future sessions, and schools are partnering with leading organisations such as Apple, Showbie, and Book Creator to enhance digital learning.

Donald Macleod, Executive Director of Education at Fife Council, explained: “This programme is about enriching the core of education - making everyday learning more engaging and effective for every young person in Fife - while preserving the unique value of each subject area in shaping well-rounded learners.

"Traditional experiences remain central: music will still be played, science experiments conducted, outdoor learning explored, recipes followed, sports enjoyed, and books read.

“Technology isn’t replacing these - it’s here to complement and elevate them.

"Ultimately, this is about using digital tools to augment and enrich teaching and learning, giving both staff and pupils new opportunities to thrive."

Pupils at Waid Academy have been the latest to take delivery of their iPads in the past week, along with pupils at associated cluster primary schools.

Rector Scott Duncan said: “Receiving our iPads marks a really exciting moment for our school community.

“The Transforming Learning Programme is already changing how our young people learn - making lessons more engaging, more inclusive, and more closely aligned with the digital world they’re growing up in.

“What matters most is that every learner now has the same opportunities to create, collaborate and personalise their learning.

“This project isn’t just about technology; it’s about removing barriers, strengthening relationships between teachers and pupils, and giving our young people the tools and confidence to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

“We’re proud to be part of a programme that is already making such a positive difference across Fife.

“It has been great to see staff and young people already engaging with the iPads in class and we are excited to see how this grows and develops."

The rollout will continue as planned over the coming weeks, and by March 20 all P6-S6 primary and secondary teachers and learners should have received their device.

Notes:

The iPad project is a key part of our Transforming Learning Fife strategy, which is set to equip students and their teachers with the devices and skills needed to transform the ways we engage with learning and remove digital inequity.

Since 2016, 10 Scottish councils have rolled out similar programmes, with clear benefits such as improved attendance, increased engagement, positive family feedback, and enhanced digital skills for both teachers and students.

Fife Council has also developed a FAQ section which aims to provide quick, accessible answers to common questions which staff, pupils, parents and carers may have about the Transforming Learning programme: Frequently Asked Questions – Transforming Learning in Fife

Our main photo caption at Waid Academy shows - Back row (left to right) - Charlotte Guthrie, Eliana Tobon, Jack Baglan-Butchart, Isla Gourlay, Waid Academy rector Scott Duncan, Hassan Nazir, Sarah Cochrane.

Front row - Callum Stibbles, Zach Christie and Orla Gage.