Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Transition
A phased transition to school-owned devices
As part of the development of Eagle Junction State School's 2026–2029 ICT Strategic Plan, the school has undertaken a comprehensive review of its Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program. Following this review, Eagle Junction State School will begin a phased transition away from the BYOD program from the start of the 2027 school year. Rather than ending the program immediately, the transition will occur over four years. This approach allows students who already have an iPad to continue using it throughout their primary schooling while the school progressively expands its fleet of school-owned devices.
Transition timeline
| School Year | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Year 6 |
| 2027 | No BYOD | Existing BYOD students continue | Existing BYOD students continue | Existing BYOD students continue |
| 2028 | No BYOD | No BYOD | Existing BYOD students continue | Existing BYOD students continue |
| 2029 | No BYOD | No BYOD | No BYOD | Existing BYOD students continue |
| 2030 | No BYOD | No BYOD | No BYOD | No BYOD
|
What this means for families
Families with children entering Year 3 from 2027 onwards will no longer be required to purchase an iPad for use at school.
Students who are already participating in the BYOD program will continue using their existing device until they complete Year 6.
Access to technology
Throughout the transition, the school—with the valued support of the Eagle Junction State School P&C Association—will continue to increase the number of school-owned devices available for student use.
Under the new model:
- Prep and Year 1 classrooms will continue to have access to eight iPads per class.
- Year 2 to Year 6 classrooms will have 12–14 iPads available in each classroom.
- Buddy classes will be able to combine devices when a full class set is required for Digital Technologies lessons, research, assessment tasks and NAPLAN testing in Years 3 and 5.
- The school also maintains seven class sets of laptops, which are used regularly across Years 4 to 6 to support learning.
Why are we making this change?
Several factors informed the school's decision to transition away from the BYOD model:
Reducing costs for families
The cost of purchasing an education iPad has increased significantly in recent years, with a standard device now costing approximately $600, before the purchase of essential accessories such as a protective case. Transitioning to school-owned devices removes this expense for future families.
Providing equitable access
Under a BYOD model, students often use devices that vary in age, storage capacity, battery life and performance. A school-managed fleet ensures all students have access to the same technology, applications and learning opportunities regardless of individual circumstances.
Improving consistency and reliability
Using a common fleet of school-owned devices provides a more consistent learning environment by reducing software compatibility issues, simplifying device management and strengthening cybersecurity across the school.
Looking ahead
Eagle Junction State School remains committed to providing students with high-quality digital learning opportunities while maintaining a balanced approach to teaching and learning. This transition supports a more equitable, sustainable and consistent model of technology access, ensuring every student can confidently engage with digital learning without placing additional financial pressure on families.