Europe’s School Device Market Enters Its Most Strategic Refresh Cycle Yet

New research from Futuresource Consulting shows that schools across the UK and Germany are entering a decisive refresh phase, with computing devices firmly at the top of the investment agenda. For OEMs and device vendors, the next two years represent a structural opportunity, but only for those aligned with how schools are really buying. 

Despite the challenges facing schools, respondents are still expecting budget rises for next year. A significant proportion of that spend is being directed toward client computing devices, as institutions prepare to replace ageing fleets and modernise their digital infrastructure. 

“This refresh phase marks a moment of opportunity for the education device market,” says Natalie Tapera, Lead Analyst at Futuresource Consulting. “The expansion years were about access and deployment, but the next phase is about optimisation. We’re seeing the rationalisation of fleets, standardisation of ecosystems and the strengthening of networking infrastructure. It’s a shift that will redefine vendor positioning across Europe.” 

The refresh is inevitable, but requirements are changing

Across both countries, respondents are reporting that the average device lifecycle now sits at around four years, with many having been purchased post-pandemic. This is placing large portions of installed fleets squarely in replacement territory. Schools are extending warranties and stretching assets where necessary, but the direction of travel is clear, and replacement demand is building. 

In Germany, funding decisions around DigitalPakt 2.0 are reinforcing momentum, with the majority of schools expecting to receive money and many already deep into procurement planning. In the UK, where central funding remains less defined, schools are still prioritising device refresh, but with heightened scrutiny around total cost of ownership. 

AI interest is high, with measured adoption

AI-enabled PCs are firmly on the radar, particularly for teacher devices. Over half of schools across both markets indicate some level of purchase intent within the next two years. However, budget prioritisation and data privacy concerns are significant barriers, particularly for student fleets.  

Schools are balancing innovation with caution, prioritising infrastructure, cybersecurity and core device refresh before committing to large-scale AI deployments. For OEMs, this creates a phased opportunity. It’s teacher-first adoption, followed by broader student integration as pricing and use cases mature. 

The new growth opportunity

“What makes this cycle different is its breadth,” says Tapera. “This is not a one-off replacement wave; it is a system-wide refresh, coupled with rising expectations around device management.  

“Our research shows that computing devices rank as the top IT investment priority in both markets for the next two years. Network connectivity and software considerations are rising alongside them, creating an ecosystem play rather than a hardware-only opportunity.  

“This is a pivotal moment for the European education device market, with schools re-evaluating long-term platform strategies, lifecycle management and supplier partnerships. For OEMs and device vendors navigating this next phase of growth, the question is who will capture the most value as refresh becomes a reality.” 

The new Futuresource EdTech Voice Europe Computing report is based on interviews with over 300 IT decision-makers across the UK and Germany. It provides detailed analysis of refresh timing, budget allocation, OS strategy, AI adoption plans, procurement routes and specification priorities.