Glyn School
Glyn School is a high-performing secondary school for boys aged 11–16, with a successful mixed Sixth Form, and a founding member of GLF Schools Multi Academy Trust.
With a long-standing reputation for academic excellence, strong values, and a commitment to helping students “Grow, Learn and Flourish,” the school has embraced digital innovation to enhance teaching and learning.
Through a carefully planned and continuously evolving 1:1 device programme, Glyn School has transformed its learning environment—improving accessibility, engagement, and resilience across the school.
The Challenge
Glyn School’s journey towards 1:1 learning began with a pilot programme in Sixth Form. While successful in principle, the initial model—managed internally—presented operational challenges.
The school needed to:
- Resolve issues around parent payments and device ownership
- Improve device repair and replacement turnaround times
- Establish a more scalable and sustainable 1:1 model
- Ensure devices were fit for purpose, durable, and affordable
- Build strong staff confidence and capability in using technology
To move forward, the school required a specialist partner capable of delivering a fully managed solution.
The Solution
After a formal procurement process, Glyn School selected Freedom Tech as its partner for delivering a structured and scalable 1:1 device programme.
Freedom Tech provided:
- A competitive and flexible parent contribution model
- Full warranty and accidental damage protection (ADP)
- A streamlined device replacement service, minimising downtime
- End-to-end programme management, reducing administrative burden
- Proven expertise supporting schools across the UK
Alongside this, the school selected Chromebooks as the preferred device, based on key criteria including durability, usability, and affordability for families.
Implementation
Glyn School took a strategic and phased approach to implementation, ensuring strong foundations for long-term success.
Key steps included:
- Initial staff deployment of Chromebooks, supported by a full year of training
- Ongoing CPD and school visits, allowing teachers to explore best practices
- A phased rollout beginning with two year groups, followed by annual expansion
- Progressive scaling to achieve full 1:1 device provision across the school
This measured approach ensured both staff readiness and student success as adoption increased.
Teaching and Learning Benefits
The introduction of a 1:1 device programme significantly enhanced the learning experience across Glyn School.
Key benefits included:
- Centralised access to lesson resources, textbooks, and coursework
- Increased student independence and self-paced learning
- Improved continuity between lessons and home study
- Greater engagement through digital tools and collaboration
Students were able to access learning materials anytime and anywhere, enabling them to revisit lessons, reinforce understanding, and take greater ownership of their progress.
The programme also empowered students to take on leadership roles, with some becoming “digital champions” supporting their peers and teachers.
An Evidence-Based Approach
Glyn School ensured that technology adoption was underpinned by strong pedagogy and staff development:
- Comprehensive training programmes for teachers before student rollout
- Exposure to best practices from other schools
- Continuous refinement of teaching methods using digital tools
- A clear focus on ensuring devices were used to enhance—not replace—effective teaching
This approach ensured that technology was embedded meaningfully across the curriculum.
Resilience and Remote Learning Success
Glyn School’s investment in 1:1 learning proved invaluable during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thanks to high levels of device adoption and established digital practices, the school transitioned seamlessly to remote learning:
- Students were already familiar with Google Classroom and online collaboration tools
- Approximately 90% of families had access to Chromebooks at the start of lockdown
- Additional devices were distributed to ensure full student participation
As a result, remote learning was implemented smoothly, with minimal disruption to teaching and learning.
Why Freedom Tech?
Freedom Tech played a key role in enabling Glyn School to scale and sustain its 1:1 device programme effectively.
Key benefits included:
- Fast and efficient device replacement (within 24 hours)
- Significant reduction in internal IT workload
- A reliable and responsive support structure
- A fully managed service that simplified programme administration
- A partnership approach aligned with the school’s long-term vision
Compared to the school’s previous in-house model, Freedom Tech delivered substantial improvements in efficiency and reliability.
Conclusion
Glyn School has successfully built a scalable, sustainable 1:1 device programme that enhances learning, supports student independence, and strengthens resilience.
By combining a strategic rollout, strong staff development, and a trusted partner in Freedom Tech, the school has embedded digital learning at the heart of its educational approach.
Today, Glyn School stands as a leading example of how technology, when implemented effectively, can transform teaching and learning outcomes.
