Many students are struggling with the Digital Divide at present. A significant number of school students are lacking regular access to suitable technology to undertake their schooling which has all moved online during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In April the Government announced a support package for some students, focused on students who are Care leavers, Children with a social worker and Children in Year 10.
Current policy stipulates that schools must use the budget that is already allocated to their 16-19 Bursary Fund to support students. Where that fund is already fully committed, settings will need to write a business case to the Education and Skills Funding Agency for additional funds. Although there is support there, it is not as easy to access as it is for pre-16 students.