EVERY 10- to 17-year-old school pupil in the Borders is set to be given a brand new iPad, after Scottish Borders Council voted to approve a brand new digital strategy.

The project will cost £15.7 million over a ten-year contract period with American technology giant Apple and Canadian firm CGI.

And it will allow each pupil to take home their own device and use with their family.  

iPads will also be given to P1 to P5 pupils at a ratio of one for every five children.

Speaking in favour of the new digital strategy, East Berwickshire councillor Carol Hamilton said: “The inspire learning programme is our game-changing opportunity to make a difference to both our young people and our teaching staff here in the Borders, empowering them to deliver forward thinking, innovative learning to our young people.

“This is about delivering world class technology in a tech-orientated world so that our young people can compete with their counterparts all over the world in the job market.

“There are few businesses where technology is not part of everyday life, just look at what we’re all sat in front of here today.

“This council is taking the initiative to offer inspiring learning and putting our young people at the forefront of future workforces.

“This is a demonstration of the investment we are prepared to put into our school pupils.

“Our headteachers are waiting to embrace this digital learning opportunity, and we would be doing our young people a disservice if we don’t roll out this programme across all schools in the region.”

Before receiving their iPad, parents/carers will be required to sign a ‘home to school agreement’ outlining the terms and conditions of receiving the device.

The first iPads will be rolled out to teachers in April.

And in August all S1 to S6 pupils will receive their device.

Teachers of P6 and P7 pupils will be given iPads next April (2020) and in the August of that year the roll out will be extended to P6 and P7 pupils, as well as to new S1 pupils.