A total of 60 students have received free laptops coupled with safe and secure internet access, which will open up the world of digital learning in their homes.

Groups at five secondary schools will be the latest to receive a brand new laptop, coupled with safe and secure internet access, which will open up the world of digital learning in their homes.

Education Leeds has been awarded a £1.8m government grant to distribute around 2500 laptops to 11 to 16-year-olds in Leeds whose families wouldn't normally have access to a computer.

The programme gives young people all the advantages technology brings to learners, such as access to mentoring and education services as well as the secure education platform the Leeds Learning Network.

Annette Hall, headteacher at Intake High School Arts College, said: "This technology will give these young people a fantastic opportunity.

"Information and communications technology is a fundamental part of our drive to improve teaching and learning across the whole school.
"We've made improving our in-school technology a priority, and have
actually had 100 new computers installed over recent weeks.

"These laptops will overcome a barrier to independent learning and help these young people to succeed."

Councillor Stewart Golton, executive board member for Children's Services, said: "This scheme will have a massive impact. Access to technology can make all the difference, promoting the independent learning which can help them to achieve their potential.

"It is a valuable part of our programme to narrow the gap in achievement across the city, and to secure a brighter future for all our children and families."

Nearly 1,000 have now been handed out, along with special training from Education Leeds' partners Stone Computers on how to get the most out of the machines.

Chris Edwards, chief executive of Education Leeds, said: "This programme is providing exciting and engaging new ways for these young people to learn.

"Technology is an incredibly powerful tool which is playing an important role in raising standards across the city.

"It can be applied across every aspect of the curriculum, providing greater opportunities for learning and developing new skills."

The project is part of the government sponsored 'Computer for Pupils' initiative, which aims to help secondary school children and families from disadvantaged areas to improve their education and life skills by putting a computer into the home.

Over the next 18 months computers and access to the internet will be rolled out to secondary school pupils in eligible households, including children in care aged between 10 and 16. The council is also improving internet access for all children's homes across the city.