BYOD enters new phase as schools prioritise equity, consistency and digital readiness

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) has become a core strategy for achieving digital equity, expanding device access and accelerating the transition to 1:1 learning. As Futuresource Consulting publishes its latest BYOD end user report, new findings reveal how the model is evolving across the USA, UK, Australia, Germany, India and Japan. It also explores the shifting expectations of parents and schools, as the EdTech story unfolds. 

Based on responses from nearly 8,000 parents and 484 schools, the report highlights a decisive move towards managed BYOD programmes. Over 80% of schools with BYOD schemes have either transitioned or are planning to transition to a managed model, replacing the ‘bring anything’ approach with structured specifications designed to support consistency, promote safeguarding and build reliable learning experiences. 

“Schools are becoming much more intentional about BYOD,” says Claire Kerrison, Principal Consultant at Futuresource Consulting. “They’re moving away from ad-hoc device use and towards well-governed ecosystems that balance student equity, IT manageability and long-term sustainability. What once felt like a workaround is fast becoming a strong and strategic pillar of digital learning.” 

Affordability, alignment and the changing role of parents

According to the research, parents remain largely supportive of BYOD, with 70% saying they like the idea, although affordability continues to be a key pressure point. At the same time, they overwhelmingly trust school guidance. Two-thirds of parents purchased the exact device the school recommended, citing compatibility, performance assurance and ease of support as major draws. 

Device choices are also shifting. Tablets now account for the majority of BYOD purchases across most markets, driven by price, portability and modern app ecosystems, yet parents still say they would prefer their child to use a notebook or Chromebook at school. 

“This tension underscores how BYOD sits at the junction between appeal and practicality,” says Kerrison, “further increasing the influence of schools on device selection.” 

Equity and digital readiness driving adoption

Schools provided a mix of motivations for implementing BYOD, with modernising learning and achieving 1:1 computing emerging as major triggers, particularly in markets such as Japan and India. Budget constraints also play a role, with one in five schools turning to BYOD because institutional purchasing was not viable, and parents were needed to bridge the access gap. 

At the same time, concerns around equity remain. Schools highlight affordability, safeguarding and device management as some of the most significant barriers during transition. Many are responding with clearer specifications, better vendor partnerships, and expanded support options, to ensure that families are not left behind. 

Bringing the latest BYOD thinking to Bett UK

As the research partner for Bett UK 2026, Futuresource will be taking these insights directly to the global education community. 

Claire Kerrison will join school leaders and technology specialists for the panel ‘Rethinking BYOD: Innovation, Inclusion, and Impact’ on Wednesday 21 January. The session will explore how BYOD can support inclusive, scalable 1:1 learning, particularly in diverse and mixed-income contexts, and will provide practical guidance for policymakers, IT leads and EdTech partners. 

“BYOD is growing up,” says Kerrison. “We’ve moved past the conversations about whether to implement BYOD. Now it’s all about doing it responsibly, inclusively and sustainably. Bett is the ideal platform to bring those perspectives together, from the school leaders on the ground to the vendors and policymakers shaping the future.” 

Futuresource Consulting’s BYOD End User Report provides deep analysis of attitudes, purchasing behaviours, implementation models and future plans across the USA, UK, Australia, Germany, India and Japan. It explores the full BYOD journey from school strategy to parent purchase, offering essential intelligence for OEMs, channel partners, digital platform providers and education leaders navigating the expanding BYOD ecosystem. 

For more information or to purchase the report, please contact daniel.perman@futuresource-hq.com.