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Device Management for Schools Made Simple: How to Control Student Laptops and Tablets
Table of Contents
Introduction
Device management for schools has never been more important. With students relying on laptops and tablets every day for lessons, homework, and online collaboration, IT managers face the huge challenge of keeping devices safe, up to date, and compliant with safeguarding requirements. Without the right systems in place, schools risk lost learning time, security breaches, and a lot of wasted IT effort.
In this blog, we’ll explain why device management for schools matters, what solutions are available, and how schools can easily take control of their devices while saving time and money.
Why Device Management for Schools Is Now Critical
The last few years have seen a rapid shift to digital learning. Whether it’s Chromebooks in primary schools, iPads in classrooms, or Windows laptops for staff and sixth formers, devices are now the backbone of teaching.
But with that comes risk:
- Security gaps – unmanaged devices can access sensitive systems like Microsoft 365 or student records.
- Lost or stolen devices – without remote wipe, they could expose private information.
- Inconsistent student experience – if devices aren’t standardised, IT staff waste hours troubleshooting.
Example: A secondary school rolling out 800 Chromebooks found that without device management, students were bypassing controls, installing games, and ignoring software updates. The result? Slow machines, security issues, and unhappy teachers.
What Is Device Management in Simple Terms?
At its core, device management for schools means having a central way to control laptops, tablets, and phones that are used for learning. The most common type is Mobile Device Management (MDM).
With MDM, IT managers can:
- Push apps to all devices at once.
- Enforce security rules (like passwords or restricted websites).
- Track and manage devices from a single dashboard.
Schools can choose between cloud-based solutions (like Microsoft Intune or Google Admin Console) or on-premise systems. For most UK schools, cloud is easier to set up and maintain.
A real example: a primary school with 400 iPads uses Apple School Manager with an MDM tool. Teachers can lock apps during lessons, push new learning apps overnight, and instantly restrict access to distractions like YouTube.
The Top Challenges Schools Face Without Proper Device Management
If schools don’t take device management seriously, IT teams face recurring problems:
- Lost or stolen devices – there’s no way to wipe them remotely.
- Students bypassing restrictions – leading to distraction and safeguarding concerns.
- Patchwork of different devices – Windows laptops, iPads, and Chromebooks all managed separately with no standardisation.
- Manual updates and installs – wasting valuable IT staff time.
- Data protection risks – non-compliance with GDPR and safeguarding frameworks.
The Benefits of Device Management for Schools
Implementing device management for schools delivers big benefits:
- Centralised control – push apps and updates to every device instantly.
- Improved security – enforce multi-factor authentication, block risky apps, and ensure antivirus is active.
- Remote wipe – if a laptop or tablet goes missing, IT can wipe it remotely.
- Monitoring and insights – see how devices are being used and whether students are following policies.
- Integration with Microsoft Entra ID & Intune – unify identity, access, and devices for stronger security.
- Cost efficiency – fewer IT hours spent on manual fixes.
- Safeguarding compliance – enforce rules that keep students safe online.
Tools Schools Can Use for Device Management
Here are some of the most popular solutions available to schools:
- Microsoft Intune for Education – integrates with Microsoft 365 and Entra ID, great for Windows-heavy environments.
- Google Admin Console – simple, low-cost option for schools using Chromebooks.
- Apple School Manager + MDM – ideal for iPad-based learning.
- Third-party platforms – such as JAMF or VMware Workspace ONE for multi-device environments.
At Qual Limited, we help schools choose the right platform, often blending solutions if schools have mixed estates of devices.
Step-by-Step: How Schools Can Get Started with Device Management
Step 1: Assess your device estate
Count devices, note the operating systems, and identify problem areas.
Step 2: Choose your management platform
Base this on your existing investment (Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, or Apple).
Step 3: Roll out the MDM solution
Deploy Intune, Admin Console, or Apple MDM.
Step 4: Define policies
Set up app whitelisting, website restrictions, and password rules.
Step 5: Train staff and students
Teachers need to know how to use classroom management features.
Step 6: Monitor and adjust
Regularly review usage reports and tweak policies.
Comparison Table: Intune vs Google Admin vs Apple MDM
| Feature | Intune for Education | Google Admin Console | Apple School Manager + MDM |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Best for |
Windows laptops |
Chromebooks |
iPads |
|
Cloud-based |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Safeguarding controls |
Strong (Entra ID) |
Moderate |
Strong (with restrictions) |
|
Ease of use |
Moderate |
Very easy |
Moderate |
|
Cost |
Per user/device |
Included with licence |
Dependent on MDM vendor |
The Future of Device Management in Schools
Device management is evolving fast:
- AI-driven monitoring will detect unusual student behaviour.
- Predictive maintenance will flag when laptops are likely to fail.
- Safeguarding integration will automatically alert staff to risks.
Schools that adopt strong device management for schools now will future-proof themselves against rising cyber threats and growing device numbers.
FAQs on Device Management for Schools
What is device management for schools?
It’s the process of controlling and securing laptops, tablets, and phones used by students and staff through a central platform.
Which device management tool is best for schools?
It depends—Intune for Windows, Google Admin for Chromebooks, and Apple School Manager for iPads.
Can schools manage mixed devices?
Yes, but they’ll often need a combination of tools or a third-party MDM.
Does device management improve safeguarding?
Yes, by restricting harmful content, monitoring usage, and enforcing policies.
Is device management expensive?
Not compared to the cost of security incidents or lost IT time—it usually saves money long-term.
Conclusion
Device management for schools isn’t optional anymore—it’s essential for security, learning continuity, and safeguarding compliance. With the right tools, IT teams can take control, reduce risks, and save time.
👉 Talk to Qual Limited today about how we can make device management simple, secure, and cost-effective for your school.
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Ken Harris
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Biography
Ken, our Senior Sales Consultant, has been with Qual since 2000. Renowned for his excellent customer reputation, Ken specialises in supporting education and providing expert advice on hardware solutions. With decades of experience, he is trusted for his knowledge, reliability, and commitment to finding the right solutions for every customer. Ken’s dedication ensures that clients receive the best service and support every time.
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