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Parents' guide to computing tech for school
Support your kids’ studies from primary school to uni by choosing the right laptop, tablet, and accessories.
Gone are the days of just buying a pencil case and a scientific calculator for school, now kids need reliable tech to support them throughout their studies. And figuring out what they need isn’t as difficult as it sounds. We’ve put together this guide to help you find the perfect laptop, tablet, and accessories to set your child up for success from day 1.
Why choosing the right tech matters
In the last 10 years, school tech has come a long way. From online homework to digital classrooms, students are expected to learn, research, and submit work online. So much has changed since parents were in school that it can feel overwhelming to figure out what exactly they’ll need. The good news is you don’t have to understand every app, platform, and digital tool. All you’ve got to do is figure out the right devices, accessories, and Wi-Fi setup for your child’s age and learning needs to help them stay on track.
Primary school (ages 4–11)
At primary school, children are usually introduced to computers with the whole class on smartboards. When they’re a bit older, schools often recommend educational games, reading apps, and online activities, so a computer at home could help out. But some schools use shared devices, so you don’t always have to invest in expensive tech right from the start.
Children may use tech for:
- Educational apps and games
- Reading and spelling platforms
- Maths practice websites
- Online homework tasks
Which tech should parents buy?
For most families, a basic family tablet or laptop is more than enough for the later years in primary school. You won’t need to think about it until they’re in juniors or Key Stage 2 (age 7+).
When you’re ready to get a family device, the best options are:
- Tablet
- Chromebook
- Entry-level laptop
Useful accessories:
- Protective tablet case
- Child-friendly headphones
- Wireless mouse
Don't forget Wi-Fi
Even young children might need access to online learning at home. Reliable Wi-Fi helps keeps things quick and fun.
Secondary school (ages 11–16)
When they reach secondary school, tech is more important for children’s education. They’ll use it to submit homework, revise, and access learning through the school’s portals.
What students will regularly use:
- Microsoft Teams
- Google Classroom
- Online revision tools
- Presentation software
- School portals and homework systems
Useful accessories:
- Wireless mouse
- Laptop sleeve or backpack
- Headset with microphone
- USB storage
Which tech should parents buy?
This is where a personal laptop might become essential.
Look for:
- At least 8GB of RAM
- 8+ hours of battery life
- A lightweight design
Good choices include:
- Windows laptop
- Chromebook
Why better Wi-Fi matters
In secondary school, students will need to use a few apps at once while other family members stream, game, or work from home, so you’ll need a connection that can keep up.
If your child complains about slow loading or dropped connections, it might be worth considering:
- A faster broadband package
- Wi-Fi extenders
- A mesh Wi-Fi system that’ll cover the whole home
Sixth form and college (ages 16–18)
In sixth form and college, students are working with bigger projects, coursework, and independent study, so they’ll need tech that’ll support the extra workload.
What students will regularly use:
- Microsoft Office
- Internet research
- Online books
- Collaborative software
- Cloud-based storage
Which tech should parents buy?
Students will benefit from a capable laptop that can comfortably manage bigger workloads. Look for:
- 8–16GB of RAM
- Fast SSD storage
- 10+ hours of battery life
- A full-sized keyboard
Useful accessories:
- Extra monitor
- Wireless keyboard and mouse
- Portable SSD or cloud backup
- Noise-cancelling headphones
Home setup matters
Creating a dedicated study space with strong Wi-Fi and reliable tech can help students stay focused and productive when the coursework stacks up.
University (age 18+)
Uni students need to be able to fully manage their own workload online, and some courses need demanding software to run smoothly especially tech-related, design, and science degrees.
What students will regularly use:
- Streaming lectures
- Researching online
- Writing essays and dissertations
- Collaborative software
- Course-specific programs
- Managing deadlines
Which tech should parents buy?
The best laptop will depend on the course — for more in-depth help, check out our ultimate university guide.
For most degrees, look out for:
- A mid-range Windows laptop
- A MacBook Air
- A Chromebook Plus
For specialist subjects such as engineering, design, or computing, they’ll need:
- A high-performance processor, an Intel® Core™ 5 or AMD Ryzen™ 5 series or higher
- 16-32GB of RAM
- Dedicated graphics for design
Useful accessories:
- Portable monitor
- Laptop stand
- High-capacity cloud storage
- Noise-cancelling headphones
- Power bank or spare charger
Wi-Fi Is essential
Whether they're at home or in student accommodation, reliable internet is a must. Students often share Wi-Fi with housemates, so they’ll need a strong, stable connection, especially for:
- Live lectures
- Video calls
- Coursework uploads
- Cloud backups
Giving parents confidence
If you’re not sure which tech your child needs, you’re definitely not alone. It isn’t about buying the most expensive device but finding the perfect fit for every stage of education.
Make sure your child has:
- A laptop or tablet suited to their age
- Accessories that support learning
- Reliable Wi-Fi through the whole home
- A comfy place to study
From their first learning apps in primary school to dissertations at uni, students rely on technology more than ever before. Finding the right device and accessories, combined with a reliable Wi-Fi connection, helps them confidently learn, stay organised, and get the most out of their studies.
