Introduction
The evolution of technology has significantly challenged the sustainability of the BYOD program. As part of our 2025-2027 Strategy, the College has committed to “Future-proof our Student Device Strategy”. Our new School Managed Device model is the result of a process of review and consultation that has been underway since April 2025.
We have been guided throughout this process by the principles that lay at the heart of the College’s Mission statement – to provide an education that involves the development of character, care for the whole child and enlightened academic rigour. The new model addresses the emerging challenges in the IT space, will enhance collaborative classroom learning, support a focused and equitable learning environment and protect the security of our data and IT systems, in addition to being consistent with our approach to smartphones and social media.
We have created a webpage that outlines the changes we are making regarding Student Devices, including our transition plan that will commence next year.
General Overview
A: Starting with Year 5 2026, in 2026 the College will begin a transition from a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) model to a School Managed Device (SMD) model. For older Year Groups, the School Managed Device model will comprise of a choice of either a School Managed Device that is School Issued, or a School Managed Device that is Parent Supplied. There is no requirement for students in any older cohorts to change in 2026 or 2027 from the existing BYOD model. In 2028, all student devices (except for the current Year 9 2025 cohort) will have School Managed Devices.
A: The current BYOD model poses risks to student learning and wellbeing due to lack of visibility and control over software, data security exposure and compliance risks. It is possible for students to bypass the school’s firewall, using VPNs or hot spotting phones to access banned sites, including social media. Inconsistent device quality leads to inequitable access, loss of teaching time and collaboration barriers. Uncontrolled software use causes distractions that are difficult for teachers to monitor in class. Transitioning to a school-managed, standardised device model will significantly reduce these risks, ensure equity, and improve the learning environment and students’ focus.
A: Yes. BYOD will continue for all students in Years 6-12 2026, just as they do this year, in both 2026 and 2027. For these cohorts of students, there is no requirement to change to School Managed Devices before 2028.
School Managed Devices (SMD)
A: “School Managed” means that the school will decide on the software (apps) installed on the device and will ensure year/age specific internet filters are active. The device management will remain active outside of school. However, whilst the internet filter and software restriction always applies, the school will only monitor the devices during normal school hours.
A: The school will NOT monitor how the device is used outside of school hours, i.e. after 3.30pm and before 8.45am on school days, at weekends and in school holidays. The same age-appropriate firewall restrictions will apply at home, as they do at school (e.g. no social media access below Year 10), the firewall and virus protection will continue to protect the device, and students will not be able to install any unsupported or unapproved software on to a school managed device. Student wellbeing and device usage will not be monitored outside school hours.
A: No.
For students in Year 5 2026, the school will issue and manage the device (iPad 11). A levy of $480 will be applied in Year 5 2026 and Year 6 2027 to cover costs.
For students in Years 7-11 2028, parents will be able to CHOOSE to EITHER:
- provide an iPad or MacBook for their child that meets minimum specification requirements, which will be factory-reset and managed by the school. This is the School Managed Device (Parent Supplied) option.
OR
- to pay an annual levy for a school issued device that will be managed by the school. This is the School Managed Device (School Issued) option. Parents opting for this will have a choice between an iPad and a MacBook Air. The annual levy for each will be approximately $480 for an iPad and $600 for a MacBook Air.
A:In 2028, any students in Years 5-11 who have not yet opted-in to the School Managed Device program will be required to do so, either by providing a Parent Supplied Apple device, or choosing to have a School Issued device (with a levy). Year 12 2028 (current Year 9 2025) will be exempted.
A: If your child is in Year 6 or above in 2026, you may opt-in to the School Managed Device model from 2026 – but there is no requirement to change from BYOD.
A: Yes. In Term 4 this year there will be an opportunity to opt-in for 2026 and also an opportunity next year to opt-in for 2027.
Device Requirements
A: Apple iPads for Year 5 2026 (and Year 6 2027). For students in older cohorts, there is a choice of iPads or MacBook. Devices must meet minimum specifications.
A: The choice of Apple devices (above Year 5 2026) will be up to parents and students, as both provide an amazing platform for learning.
Years 7-9: The iPad has the advantage of enabling students to draw and write, while the MacBook has more desktop real estate available. Both devices are comparable system specification wise, support the same software, but the iPad has more input functionality over the MacBook and is also cheaper to repair if an accident should occur for those who wish to own their device. This too may factor into your choice.
Year 10-12: Anecdotally, we feel students will prefer a MacBook, however both the iPad and MacBook are still suitable for these years as well. We are increasingly seeing students use iPads in university due to their versatility and portability.
A: Yes, but only if you are happy for the school to fully manage the device. The current recommended specs are: A16 (iPad) or M4 (MacBook) processor, however you can still use an existing Apple device if it is in good working order, meets minimum specifications and receives current Apple software updates. To do this, the device will need to be factory-reset by the school. Alternatively, parents may prefer to opt for a School Issued Device and pay an annual levy. For students in Year 6 2026 and above, there is no requirement to change from the current BYOD model until 2028 (excluding Year 12 2028 who can remain on BYOD until graduation).
Device Management
A: No. All students will be required to use their Oxley email address as their Apple ID.
A: Until 2028, students in Year 6 and above may continue to use their BYOD Windows device as they do now (Year 12 2028 are exempted).
A: No. If students need to watch a film as part of their studies, the school will ensure that they have an app on their SMD to enable them to do so.
A: Each software install will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Parent Supplied Purchasing and Costs
A: No, you can purchase the MacBook or iPad + accessories from any genuine Apple reseller, however these devices will need to be factory reset and added into the school’s management system by the Oxley IT team.
A: Yes, Oxley have worked closely with EduCom IT to create the Oxley specific purchasing portal. Devices and accessories purchased through here are at education prices, which are ~10% cheaper than retail pricing. EduCom IT automatically add all new devices directly into the school’s management system without requiring a factory reset.
A: The models available are the same as supplied by the School: iPad 11 + case + Logitech Crayon or MacBook Air.
The iPad comes with a ruggedised case (Otterbox Achiever) that contains a keyboard and trackpad and is electrically connected to the iPad (no additional batteries and no Bluetooth keyboard pairing needed!). This turns the iPad Air into a 2-in-1 style device. The case also has a space available for the included Logitech Crayon. This solution is a great choice for students because it’s safe, durable, and easy to use. The sturdy case protects the iPad from everyday bumps and drops, while the Crayon makes writing, drawing, and note-taking simple and fun. This combination gives students a reliable learning tool that works well for all ages, from primary through to secondary school.
The MacBook Air comes with a ultra slim with grippy edged case (Otterbox Luman transparent), making it harder to drop. The case is tested to military standard (MIL-STD-810G 516.6) and contains a resilient protective bumper to absorb impact and protect the laptop.
A: AppleCare+ is Apple’s extended warranty and support program for devices like iPads, MacBooks, and iPhones. It goes beyond the standard manufacturer warranty by providing:
Extended hardware coverage (usually up to 2–3 years depending on the device).
Accidental damage protection (a set number of low-cost repairs or replacements for drops, spills, or screen damage).
Battery service if capacity falls below a certain percentage.
Priority access to Apple technical support.
The purchase cost for a 3-year AppleCare+ warranty for MacBook Air is $329.
The purchase cost for a 3-year AppleCare+ warranty for 11th Gen iPad is $169.
A: We will offboard the existing device and your child will be provided with a School Issued Device (with levy). This is subject to availability in that school year – it may be necessary to wait until the next round of School Issued Devices to make the change.
Next Steps
A: We will hold a Parent Information Session at 5.00pm on Tuesday 21 October. If you have any questions at this stage, it will help us to prepare for that session if you can submit them here. Following that Information Session we will communicate again about the transition process and what (if anything and depending on the cohort) parents/carers need to do for 2026.
Repairs and Support
A: For School Supplied devices the student will drop the faulty device off at the Oxley Helpdesk. They will be given a new device, and this device will be associated with them. Oxley Helpdesk will then send the device to EduCom IT who will manage all Apple repairs end-to-end. Depending on how the device is broken, Oxley will invoice the parents for the physical repair cost under AppleCare+ pricing.
For Parent Owned devices the student will follow a similar process, Students can drop their devices off at the Oxley IT Helpdesk and be issued with a replacement device for the duration of the repair. EduCom IT will review the device and work directly with you, the parents to repair or replace, depending on warranty, AppleCare+ status, and the age of the device. Once repaired, the device will be returned to the school and the student will swap the devices back. Oxley highly recommends that families purchase AppleCare+ for Parent Supplied Devices, as this will significantly reduce repair costs.
A: The student will be Issued with a loan device for the duration of the repair.
Junior School Device Use and Storage
A: Kindergarten to Year 4 have (or shortly will have) a pool of school owned iPads that are shared between each year, giving a 2 student to 1 device (2:1) ratio. These devices will remain at school.
A: Yes. The iPads will be securely at school. Students will complete a Digital Citizenship Licence in Year 5 2026, so that in Year 6 2027 they will be able to take them home to complete schoolwork as required.
A: Yes. iPads come with integrated keyboards and styluses, supporting typing and note-taking.
Timeline and Transition
A: Apart from Year 12 2028 (Year 9 2025), we will be a School Managed Apple school by 2028. Until then, there is no requirement to change from the current BYOD model.
A: If the device still meets minimum specifications, parents may choose the School Managed Device (Parent Supplied) option, or to pay a levy for the School Managed Device (School Issued) option. From the start of 2028, any devices that are not School Managed will be unable to connect to the school’s network, with the exception of Year 12 2028 (current Year 9), who may remain on the BYOD program.