Change to Student Devices from 2026 for on-campus students

From 2026, SCEA will commence the implementation of an important change to student devices, and I would like to share with you the reasons behind it. Instead of students bringing their own device (BYOD) to school, SCEA will begin providing students with high quality, school-managed Apple devices to support their learning.

Details of the specific devices of the new school-managed Apple device program, and the transition process from BYOD, will be provided to families during Term 3 this year. We expect the full transition to take place over a period of three to four years.

The school-managed Apple devices will be owned by SCEA and provided to students under a new three (3) year lease arrangement, after which they will be returned to SCEA. Students will then receive a new device for the following three years. Parents will be charged an annual ‘Technology Device Fee’, which will give their child access to a device and all the applications needed to support their learning.

Why the change?
Personal devices can be distracting and impact student focus, well-being, and academic performance. School-managed Apple devices will be configured specifically for education, restricting access to games, entertainment, and social media.  This will ensure a safer, more focused digital learning environment, promoting healthy tech habits and stronger classroom engagement.

Additional benefits include:

• Seamless start: when a year group commences on the program, every student will have access to a fully supported device.
• Optimised learning: teachers can maximise student learning through use of classroom tools like Apple Classroom and standard applications for all students.
• Efficient IT support: School-managed Apple devices will receive full IT support.
• Simplified for parents: there will be no need for parents to purchase or manage devices.

A Device Agreement that outlines the provision, care, use, and return of devices will be provided to families as their child’s year group transitions across to the school-managed Apple device program. In anticipation of the introduction of SCEA leased devices we would request that all parents refrain from purchasing new devices for their children until details of the transition arrangements are communicated in Term 3. We are confident that this change will enrich the learning of our students. We look forward to having the program fully implemented.