A guide on how to get a free laptop for students in the UK, including the government’s Get Help with Technology Program and other schemes by charities and businesses.
Students need laptops in today’s modern world, particularly now that many schools and colleges have moved towards online learning due to Covid-19 virus. Unfortunately, not every student can afford one or has secure internet connection.
Because of this, UK government and various other groups have set up different programs offering free laptops and 4G routers to children living in poverty throughout Britain. We will discuss how these programs work, who qualifies, and how you can apply.
Table of contents
- Plan by the government – How to Get a Free Laptop for Students in the UK
- Staying Connected – How to Get a Free Laptop for Students in the UK
- Laptops 4 Learning – How to Get a Free Laptop for Students in the UK
- Watford Jobcentre – How to Get a Free Laptop for Students in the UK
- How Many Computers Will I Receive Through Government Program?
- For how long may I keep the laptop that was given to me by the government program?
- What if none of the plans work for me?
- Are You Wondering How Students in the UK Can Receive Free Laptops?
- What is the Get Help with Technology Service and Who can Use It?
- How can I sign up for this program and receive a laptop or tablet for free?
- Where can I obtain technical assistance or connect my gadget to the internet?
- The verdict – Overall
Plan by the government – How to Get a Free Laptop for Students in the UK
The U.S. government intends to give over 1.3 million computers and tablets directly to schools and colleges under its Get Help with Technology Program so that children who most need them can use them.
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This means that devices owned by these institutions would then be distributed after satisfying one or more requirements like these:
Children receiving help from social workers, leaving foster care, or taking their GCSE exams next year will all require assistance from professionals in one way or another.
Laptops and tablets offered through this program come equipped with one-year warranties and come preloaded with training software and apps, including 4G computers given out by the government to families for Internet connectivity purposes.
Local governments distribute devices and routers directly through education companies if someone qualifies, to be certain if you qualify or not speak with your school or college about this opportunity.
Grants from the government help schools and colleges pay for technical support when setting up or resetting devices. For devices purchased in the 2019–2020 or 2020–2021 academic years, schools can claim up to PS25 per device, for purchases made on or after November 1, 2021, schools can claim up to PS15.
Also, students between 16-19 who don’t have access to quality devices or internet connections and cannot afford them may qualify for assistance through the 16-19 Bursary Fund. Education providers will determine whether gadgets will be given out. They’re planning other plans as well.
Apart from government programs, there are also other initiatives in the UK offering children free laptops. Examples of such programs are:
Staying Connected – How to Get a Free Laptop for Students in the UK
W3RT’s Staying Connected digital inclusion project aims to bring internet-enabled computers, tablets and cell phones directly into Watford and Three Rivers communities so individuals in need may use it for health improvement and well-being enhancement. The organization gives out these devices as part of this initiative.
Laptops 4 Learning – How to Get a Free Laptop for Students in the UK
Through Business2Schools’s Laptops 4 Learning initiative, businesses donate old computers that are then fixed up before being given to schools to be distributed to those students in need.
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Watford Jobcentre – How to Get a Free Laptop for Students in the UK
This service of the Department of Work and Pensions assists people in finding work and getting benefits, with local partners including Watford Borough Council and Community Housing providing computer access and internet connection so that jobseekers may apply online for training programs or job applications.
How Many Computers Will I Receive Through Government Program?
Your eligibility to the government program depends on how much money the government gives your school or college; this amount depends on how many eligible children in your school or college are receiving free school meals. Use Get Help With Technology service to estimate how much time remains until receiving new equipment.
For how long may I keep the laptop that was given to me by the government program?
Your school or college owns the laptop you get from the government program and, depending on your individual circumstances and desires, will determine its ownership. Your situation and desire may determine its use – for instance it could need to be returned either when class ends or school resumes again.
What if none of the plans work for me?
It may still be possible for you to get a laptop without applying for one of the programs mentioned here, depending on where your network of contacts lies. Ask friends, family and neighbors if they have extra computers they don’t need anymore or search online for affordable used computers that fit within your price range.
Are You Wondering How Students in the UK Can Receive Free Laptops?
Below are answers to frequently asked questions regarding free laptops available to UK students:
What is the Get Help with Technology Service and Who can Use It?
The government offers this Get Help with Technology program as a service to low-income children and teenagers during pandemic outbreaks to allow distance learning via laptops and tablets, with grants available to pay for technical help or internet connection fees; various institutions1 may qualify to get this money.
Mainstream academies and maintained schools 16-19 academies and maintained schools Pupil referral units Special academies and maintained schools Non-maintained special schools Independent special schools Sixth form colleges Further education colleges General further education colleges Specialist post-16 institutions
How can I sign up for this program and receive a laptop or tablet for free?
Unfortunately, you cannot directly request one from this program. Instead, these devices belong to schools, trusts, local governments or providers of continuing education who distribute them among children who need them most based on available stock – though how many will be given out depends on demand versus availability – for more information if unsure, speak to your school or college for clarification.
Where can I obtain technical assistance or connect my gadget to the internet?
Schools and other places may apply to the Department of Education for funding to cover technical support costs when setting up or resetting devices, helping groups that may otherwise find it challenging. These funds aim to assist those groups that might struggle without outside assistance when doing this task themselves.
The verdict – Overall
Students in the UK can obtain free laptops if they meet certain criteria and apply via appropriate routes. One way that poor students may qualify for such assistance is via the government’s Get Help with Technology Program. other programs offered by charities or businesses may also help, don’t be shy if you need a laptop for school, call your school or college and see what options may exist to assist with that need.
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