iPads for Schools
Classroom365 helps UK schools choose, deploy and manage iPads – from small classroom sets to whole-school rollouts. This buying guide explains how to choose iPads for schools, including the right models, storage, cases, charging and Mobile Device Management (MDM).
The 11th Generation iPad (128 GB Wi-Fi) was released in March 2025 and is a common choice for schools due to its price point, replacing the 10th Generation iPad from 2022. Storage is up from 64 GB to a more useful 128 GB. We generally advise avoiding refurbished iPads for shared school use.
We supply the following:
- iPads for teaching and integrating with interactive whiteboards, using screen mirroring software and a different option to a classroom visualiser.
- Classroom iPad trolley solutions and charging cabinets for 10, 16 and 32 iPads.
- MDM enables easy management with policy restrictions and the automated push-out of educational apps on request.
- Education pricing and discounts, optional leasing and bulk quotes.
For a free education quote, complete the form below, call us or learn about iPad leasing from Classroom365.
Expert Advice. Fast Quotes. No Fuss
What is the Apple iPad Education Price?
Education prices for iPads are around 10% cheaper than buying retail or through a business, depending on the quantity ordered. There are also discounts on Apple accessories, such as the Magic Keyboard and Pencil, although the savings are much smaller.
The more you buy, the bigger the discount from an ICT hardware supplier like Classroom365.
Is an iPad the Best Tablet for Teachers and Students?
iPads are an excellent option in primary schools due to their reliability, uniformity of operating system and ease of management with an MDM. JAMF School and Meraki are Classroom365’s Mobile Device Management (MDM) tools of choice.
Combined with a rugged case and a secure charging trolley or cabinet, they offer a unique learning tool and are our preferred tablet. The one drawback is the cost, and even though the iPad Gen 11 is discounted for education, it is still more expensive than a Chromebook or a cheap Android tablet. Chromebooks generally cost around £200 for a good branded model with enough storage, 32 GB being the absolute minimum and 64 GB preferable.
Also released in 2025 was the iPad Air 7th Generation, which is more powerful. The Air series is not popular in schools due to the higher cost; however, senior management would benefit from the faster chipset and features like Apple Intelligence, which the new Gen 11 does not support.
The iPad Pro series remains unchanged and is the most expensive option.
Benefits of iPads in Schools
At Classroom365, our insights into schools align with the research from Northern Ireland in 2017 (there hasn’t been a lot of UK research since then). The research highlighted the significant benefits of using iPads in education. The study found that an iPad enhanced children’s literacy, numeracy, and communication skills. The interactive nature of educational iPad apps boosted enthusiasm and engagement in learning while positively influencing teacher motivation.
Furthermore, iPads have shown remarkable benefits for children with cognitive delays, enhancing language use and social interaction. Their user-friendly touchscreen interfaces are particularly advantageous for children with motor skill challenges, making learning more accessible and less overwhelming. Teachers love them too for their multi-functionality, with simple screen sharing on an interactive screen or taking the register using a cloud MIS.
Regarding environmental impact, iPads contribute to paperless innovation, allowing schools to save on costs while being eco-friendly. Their portability lends to classrooms and outdoor learning experiences, adding joy and versatility to classes in natural settings.
Beyond these practical uses, the benefits show they are instrumental in developing essential skills in children, such as typing, multi-touch navigation, and problem-solving. This compares starkly with passive activities like watching TV. They also serve as a gateway for pupils to understand and creatively engage with technology, mirroring how new technological tools are continuously integrated into our daily lives.
Managing Apple iPads
What happens next if you have purchased a class set of iPads? You might think to switch them on, sign in with an Apple account, and hand them out. This would be a mistake.
Using iPads in the classroom requires Mobile Device Management (MDM) – a tool to manage the settings uniformly across all the devices, control security, and push out apps simultaneously. The best MDM for schools is cloud-based and can be used by your IT support or ICT Coordinator. Do you want students to install games and change passcodes?
Meraki and JAMF School are cloud MDMs that allow easy management and iPad deployment once set up correctly. The key is to get this done well with the iPads grouped and the settings uniform. Meraki also has the benefit of managing ChromeOS, so Android tablets and the school’s Chromebook configuration and deployment can be controlled (albeit slightly differently) within the same console.
For schools on the LGFL, Meraki is included as part of their broadband package – 300 client devices for primary schools and 700 licences for secondary schools. Meraki can also be integrated with Google Workspace for Schools or used solely for tablet management.
If you have an organisation ID, we offer the Device Enrollment Program (DEP) on all new Apple iPad devices. When purchasing, please provide us with your ID so your ICT support can enrol every new iPad into your MDM.
Are Refurbished iPads for Education Worth Buying?
No, for the simple reason that iPads hold their value, and a used iPad is expensive, so buying a Gen 9 (from 2021) or even older models doesn’t make economic sense! Schools get great deals on new bulk purchases, and an extended warranty on new iPad bundles is not expensive, giving peace of mind for 3 years. Classroom365 doesn’t recommend purchasing refurbished iPads.
A refurbished iPad will be factory reset to the default settings, checked to ensure it works, and given a wipe clean, we hope! But how much testing is done? One thing is for sure: the battery will not be the same as a brand-new one. Apple says batteries degrade by 20% after 1,000 charging cycles. This will be the best-case scenario, and if you are buying an iPad Gen 7 from 2019 (we have seen them on sale for £190!), consider how that battery may perform. Will it last a day in a busy classroom?
Best Practices Using iPads in Classrooms
- With your iPads configured with a cloud MDM and iPad trolley neatly cabled, you will need strong and stable WiFi in the classroom. This is a prerequisite for successfully deploying iPads. A managed wireless solution is essential; you can learn more about Classroom365’s managed wireless solutions by clicking here.
- Accidents happen, an iPad can be easily dropped or damaged. iPad repairs are expensive, so tough, rugged cases are strongly recommended. Good ones can be purchased for around £20 or less.
- Many educational apps for iPads are free, but the best must be paid for. With an MDM, Apple credit can be applied to the console and the paid apps can be deployed quickly and easily. Some popular educational apps to teach ICT computing can be found on our curriculum page.
Learn more about the educational ICT services Classroom365 provides for schools. For a competitive price, please get in touch.
Mark Friend, BSc (Hons), is a Company Director at Classroom365 and has worked in technology for nearly 30 years. His IT career started with Rothschild Bank in Sydney, Australia, before working as a Global VPN Project Manager for the British Council. Mark has 20 years of experience in the UK education sector, helping schools integrate the latest tech into their curriculum and ICT vision.