Wednesday January 7th 2026
East Lothian Council headquarters
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
A project to give all East Lothian secondary pupils their own laptop for learning is being rolled out across the local authority’s schools.
East Lothian Council’s Learning, Connected initiative will see secondary pupils receive a Google Chromebook for use in school and at home which will remain with them from S1 to S6.
The numbers of devices available in primary schools will also increase to one Chromebook for every two pupils as part of the scheme.
The project aims to increase access to technology in schools, aiming to improve digital literacy and allow learners access resources tailored to their needs and pace.
A new web-filtering system on all Chromebooks will provide a protected online environment whether they are used in school, at home or on any other network.
A stakeholder agreement outlines expectations of all parties, including learners, parents and carers, for caring for the device and online behaviours.
The council has received no external money so the project has been fully funded from the council’s existing education IT budgets.
The rollout will be carried out in secondaries on a school-by-school basis by the end of June 2026 with primary stocks increasing over the same period.
East Lothian Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s and Family Services Councillor Fiona Dugdale said:
“Digital technology is transforming all aspects of our lives. It’s important that our children and young people have a solid foundation that will allow them to use it appropriately and effectively, and to harness its potential.
“Our Learning, Connected project is investing in young people and their futures. I am especially pleased we can commit to it at a time when budgets are so challenged.
“The rollout builds on the work already been undertaken in schools to increase access to, and use of, technology that supports the modern curriculum and assessment arrangements. This project will benefit our children and young people at school and for life beyond it.”
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