What role do digital devices play in learning at Oundle?

Digital tools play an important role in supporting effective and engaging learning at Oundle — but we are careful and deliberate about how, when and why we use them.

All pupils are provided with a Lenovo Yoga 2-in-1 device and we use Microsoft 365 and Teams across all subjects to support collaboration, organisation and independent study. By ensuring every pupil has access to the same platform, we create consistency and familiarity, while building the digital fluency that universities and employers increasingly expect.

At the same time, we know that learning doesn’t happen in the same way through a screen. Research shows that reading from physical books and writing by hand activates the brain differently, strengthening memory, focus and understanding. That’s why we don’t default to digital — we use it where it adds value, not where it simply replicates what can be done better on paper.

Our approach is balanced and evidence-informed. We want pupils to become confident, capable digital citizens who can navigate the online world with skill and responsibility. But we also want them to know when to switch off — and how to think critically, absorb information deeply and engage with others face to face. In a full-boarding environment where real-world connection shapes the rhythm of the day, that balance matters.

We were also one of the first schools to remove smartphones from daily life for younger pupils — a decision we made several years ago and that is now increasingly echoed across the sector. It was a proactive step to protect young people and support their wellbeing in a world of constant digital noise.

Learn more about our approach to learning here.