Every schoolchild is to be issued with their own iPad as Fife Council strives to ensure digital inclusion.
The first pupils will receive their devices in August, with the initial distribution completed in March 2026.
Every pupil from P6 to S6 and their teachers will get a tablet during the 2025/25 academic year.
Younger pupils will get theirs in subsequent years when they move into P6.
Here we set out the dates for distribution to each school and answer other key questions.
When will Fife pupils and teachers get iPads?
These are the dates when pupils and teachers at each school cluster will get their tablets. P6 and P7 pupils will get devices in the same month as those in their associated secondary school unless otherwise stated.
- Auchmuty High School – staff August 2025, pupils November 2025
- Balwearie High School – staff May/June 2025, pupils September/October 2025
- Beath High School – staff August 2025, pupils November 2025
- Bell Baxter High School – staff November 2025, pupils January 2026
- Dunfermline High School – staff November 2025, pupils February 2026
- Glenrothes High School – staff August 2025 pupils September/October 2025
- Glenwood High School – staff August 2025 pupils November 2025
- Hyndhead School – pupils August 2025
- Inverkeithing High School – staff May/June 2025, pupils September/October 2025
- Kirkcaldy High School – staff May/June 2025, pupils September/October 2025
- Levenmouth Academy – staff May/June 2025, secondary pupils August 2025, primary pupils September/October 2025
- Lochgelly High School – staff August 2025, pupils November 2025
- Madras College – staff November 2025, primary pupils December 2025, secondary pupils February 2026
- Queen Anne High School – primary staff August 2025, primary pupils December 2025, secondary staff February 2026, secondary pupils March 2026
- St Andrew’s RC High School – staff May/June 2025, pupils September/October 2025
- St Columba’s RC High School– staff and pupils February 2026
- Viewforth High School – staff May/June 2025, pupils August 2025
- Waid Academy – staff November 2025, pupils January 2026
- Woodmill High School – staff February 2026, pupils March 2026 pupils)
How much are Fife school iPads costing?
Issuing more than 35,000 iPads to schoolchildren and teachers will cost £50 million.
This includes an initial £34.5 million from Fife Council’s capital budget and £15 million over the next 10 years to support what is called the Transforming Learning programme.
Digital literacy, learning and skills, the council says, are crucial for the future of education and learners.
Every Scottish teacher is expected to effectively embed digital tools in learning so they must be equipped with the tools and expertise to do so.
Why iPads over other devices?
Pupils at St Columba’s and Woodmill high schools were issued with Chromebooks to test universal provision of devices.
However, iPads were subsequently chosen by Fife Council for a number of reasons. These include that they are lighter than alternatives, have accessibility features, are easy to use and deemed cost effective.
What will children be able to access?
Each iPad will have the digital learning platform Showbie.
Pupils will be able to access the internet but inappropriate content and social media platforms will be blocked.
Devices have internal cameras. Children and young people are taught at school about seeking permission from others before they photograph or video them.
The devices will have management software so their use can be monitored. A parent app will allow parents to manage use outside school hours
Can pupils bring their iPad home?
Pupils will be expected to take their device home each night and ensure it is fully charged for the next school day.
Some content, such as Office 365 documents, will be accessible without a WiFi connection.
Charging an iPad with the supplied charger for three hours a day would cost £7.41 a year at current electricity prices, according to Fife Council.
What training will be provided to use Fife school iPads?
Children and young people will get help to learn the basics when they get their iPad. Teachers will then embed use of the devices in the classroom.
Staff have already been developing digital skills and confidence and will get their devices before pupils.
Advice to help pupils and parents use the iPads at home will be available on the Transforming Learning website.
What if a child’s iPad is lost or stolen?
Any loss should be reported to the child’s school. It will be tracked and locked until it can be retrieved. A replacement policy has been established for damaged tablets.
Each iPad will come with a protective case.
How will having their own device benefit pupils?
Fife Council says iPads for all will help raise attainment, boost attendance and increase opportunities for pupils.
Communication between teachers and pupils will be enhanced and pupils will be able to access learning materials from home.
Do other local authorities provide devices for all pupils?
Several other Scottish councils have similar provision. They say they have seen improved attendance, increased engagement, positive family feedback, and enhanced digital skills as a result.
These councils include the Scottish Borders, Edinburgh, Stirling and Aberdeen. Some individual schools outside these areas also provide devices for all.
Why does Fife Council think this is so important?
Education spokesperson Councillor Cara Hilton says: “We need to make a digital shift in learning now to realise our commitment to building a better future for Fife’s children.
“It is vital we give our young people the tools that will help them learn in a form that suits them and to provide opportunities for them to thrive.
“This is part of our ongoing ambition to improve educational outcomes and ensure that every young person has the tools and digital skills needed to thrive in today’s tech-driven society.”
Conversation