About the End User:

Founded in 1595, Wellingborough School is one of the oldest and most prestigious independent schools in the UK. With a proud heritage spanning over four centuries, the school has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence and holistic education. Despite its rich history, Wellingborough School is firmly focused on the future, embracing innovation to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and tools they need to succeed in an ever-evolving digital world.

The school caters to students from early years through to sixth form, offering a comprehensive curriculum and a vibrant learning environment. Technology plays a key role in enhancing the learning experience, and the leadership team remains committed to ensuring that digital tools are seamlessly integrated into everyday teaching and learning.

The Challenge:

In 2022, Wellingborough School identified the need to future-proof their digital infrastructure by launching a 1:1 Device Programme for both prep and senior students. The aim was to provide each student with their own personal device to support interactive learning, improve digital literacy, and promote independent study both in the classroom and at home.

However, the school faced several key challenges:

• Device suitability: The devices needed to be age-appropriate, durable, and compatible with the school's existing IT systems.
• Budget management: The rollout had to be financially sustainable over the long term, without compromising on quality.
• Scalability and logistics: Ensuring smooth deployment across multiple year groups, with minimal disruption to teaching and learning.

The Solution:

BSL-IT worked in close partnership with Wellingborough School’s IT team to design and deliver a tailored solution that addressed all aspects of the project. Following a detailed consultation and evaluation process, we recommended a blended rollout of Microsoft Surface Go devices for younger students and Samsung Galaxy Books for older year groups.

Both device types were selected for their:

• Lightweight and portable form factors, ideal for students
• Robust build quality to withstand daily school use
• Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 and other educational tools
• Strong battery life and performance for productivity on the go

To ensure long-term sustainability, BSL implemented a 3-year OPEX (Operating Expense) plan, allowing the school to spread costs over time while maintaining flexibility to upgrade or refresh devices as needed. This approach provided a clear structure for managing the device lifecycle across different year groups and ensured that all students had access to up-to-date technology.

We also worked directly with Microsoft and Samsung to secure competitive pricing and ensure timely delivery. Our project team coordinated the rollout logistics, from device configuration to handover, making the transition smooth and efficient for staff and students alike.

Wellingborough School continues to lead by example in its use of educational technology, and BSL is proud to support their digital journey. Our ongoing partnership ensures that the school remains equipped with the tools it needs to inspire the next generation of learners.