Stretch your school budget further: benefits of leasing explained

Upgrading your school’s technology used to mean one thing – a big upfront cost. However, with budgets under pressure, many school leaders are looking for smarter ways to invest in new IT equipment without draining precious resources.

That’s where leasing for schools comes in. Instead of buying devices outright, schools can spread costs over time, stay up to date with the latest tech, and reduce the strain on their finances, all while keeping students equipped for modern learning.

Let’s explore the real benefits of leasing for schools and why it’s becoming a more popular choice for schools across the UK.

  1. Protect your budget and cash flow
  • No massive upfront costs
    Leasing means you don’t have to pay huge sums up front. Instead, you spread the cost over regular payments, making it easier to protect your cash flow for other priorities like staffing, building repairs, or pupil support.
  • Predictable costs for easier planning
    With fixed payments over one to seven years, you can plan your budgets more confidently. No nasty surprises or sudden big spending.
  • Keep funds free for other needs
    Leasing allows you to keep money in the bank for emergencies or other investments. For many schools under financial pressure, flexibility is invaluable.
  • IFRS

With the recent changes in accounting, leasing is now much more appropriate and decisions can be made on the basis of the useful life of the equipment

  1. Stay up to date and avoid tech headaches
  • Up to date equipment
    Tech is moving fast! Leasing makes it simple to refresh your devices every few years, so you’re not stuck with aging laptops that can’t run the latest software and maximising warranties that are available and keeping the school current and competitive
  • Reduce IT headaches
    Many leases can now include warranties, support, and maintenance. That means fewer headaches for your IT staff and more peace of mind if things go wrong.
  • Consistent devices, less hassle
    Leasing helps you roll out the same devices across classrooms, making life easier for teaching staff and simplifying IT management.

 

  1. Stay compliant with education finance rules

State-funded schools face strict rules around buying and borrowing. Leasing offers a way to stay compliant:

  • New Accounting Standards – IFRS 16 changed how leases appear in accounts, but the Department for Education has provided “general consent” for many common assets, keeping things straightforward for schools. All Schools will now be able to make more appropriate informed decisions when considering the best way to purchase all IT assets. Where devices have been historically returned and replaced after 3 years to benefit from the most up to date kit, warranties etc, a residual based lease will still be the best option. With Items such as boards, infrastructure and wifi solutions now we can match the term with the warranties and lease for a longer period of time, matching the term with the actual useful life.

 

If you’re unsure how leasing fits into your finance rules, or you need help with how to account for them always get specialist advice, it’s worth it for peace of mind.

  1. Support for digital learning schemes

Many schools now run 1-to-1 device schemes, where each student gets their own device. Leasing can support these initiatives in several ways:

  • Parental Contribution schemes – Some leasing providers offer online portals for collecting parental payments, easing the admin burden on your team.
  • Insurance included – Leasing can bundle in accidental damage and theft cover, giving schools and parents extra peace of mind.
  • Admin tools to save time – Manage orders, payments, serial numbers and claims all in one place, making it much simpler for busy staff.

Why schools are moving to leasing

Schools across the UK are increasingly choosing leasing because it:

  • Keeps tech modern and reliable
  • Protects limited budgets
  • Reduces admin headaches
  • Helps schools stay compliant

 

If your school is looking at upgrading IT, leasing could be the flexible, future-proof option you’ve been searching for. Get in touch with our team today.

The benefits of leasing for schools are clear. From predictable costs and better budgeting to easier device management and access to expert support, leasing is a smart way to upgrade your school’s technology infrastructure.

If you’re exploring ways to fund new devices or any other acquisitions for the school, reduce pressure on your IT team, or launch a one-to-one device scheme, now is the time to explore your options.

Contact our team today to see how leasing could support your school’s budget requirements or digital goals.

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The TEDD Digital Learning Scheme Portal | Streamline School Device Programmes

The TEDD Digital Learning Scheme Portal: Simplifying Digital Learning Support

Managing a school’s digital learning scheme can be challenging – from tracking devices to managing parent payments and ensuring everything runs smoothly. TEDD, our custom-built school portal, is designed to make this process easier. It helps streamline various aspects of the scheme, reducing administrative work and improving the overall experience for staff, students, and parents.

Why TEDD works for schools

Many schools rely on TEDD as their digital learning scheme portal because it’s built to fit the way schools operate. Whether your school is running a one-to-one device scheme or managing multiple year groups, TEDD is flexible and adapts to your requirements. The platform offers an easy-to-use interface and quick access to the information that matters most.

A portal that adapts to your needs

TEDD is an independent digital learning scheme portal, meaning it can be tailored to fit the needs of each school. No two schools are the same, and TEDD is built with flexibility in mind.

With TEDD, schools have control over how they set up and manage their schemes. You can customise pricing options, set payment windows, determine payment schedules, and personalise communications with parents. The platform is designed to reduce workload while providing greater clarity for staff and parents.

Parent-friendly and fully supported

The Parent Portal is easy to navigate and designed with accessibility in mind. Parents and guardians can enrol in the scheme, choose payment plans, access support materials, and track insurance or warranty claims all in one place.

Throughout the onboarding process, TEDD offers full support. Our team is available to assist with any questions, helping ensure everything run smoothly. Additionally, we take care of handling parent queries directly, offering support that reduces the burden on your administrative staff.

The Heart of edde | Meet Our Dedicated Team – edde

Ongoing support

From the start, TEDD provides clear guidance and support tailored to your school’s scheme. A dedicated account manager will help you with the setup process, and our helpdesk is available for ongoing support for both staff and parents. We offer training when necessary to ensure you’re never left to figure things out on your own.

Considering a 1:1 Scheme?

If you’re considering a 1:1 programme and want to learn how a digital learning scheme portal like TEDD can help, get in touch with us today – contact us here.

 

 

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The Heart of edde | Meet Our Dedicated Team

At edde Education, we believe that the success of any scheme begins with the people behind it. For over a decade, our long-established team has worked together with schools, delivering tailored digital learning schemes that are not only sustainable but personal. We understand that every school is different, which is why our approach is never one-size-fits-all. From initial conversations to day-to-day scheme management, our experienced team ensures that you feel supported every step of the way.

Our dedication to service goes beyond simply providing technology. We take the pressure off you and your staff, acting as an extension of your team.  From helping to design a bespoke scheme to assisting parents with queries and guiding them through the claims process, we provide a level of care that allows schools to stay focused on supporting their students.

We’re proud of TEDD, our bespoke portal designed specifically for schools. Built in-house, our software is constantly improved based on feedback from our partners, TEDD makes tracking, managing and reporting on your scheme easy at a time to suit you. Our platform may be powered by smart technology, but it’s the dedicated team behind it that makes the real difference.  edde will always provide a clear detailed breakdown of the scheme and its structure to ensure clarity from an auditing and compliance perspective offering complete transparency and peace of mind.

Meet some of our team:

Lucy Thomson, Sales Director:

Lucy brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the challenges schools face. Her commitment to designing flexible, transparent schemes has helped schools across the country implement successful digital learning schemes that meet both their educational goals and budget requirements.

“Helping schools find the right digital solution is at the core of what we do here at edde. We take great pride in ensuring that every scheme we design is tailored to meet the unique needs of each school, providing them with sustainable and effective support. The relationships we’ve built with schools over the years are what we’re most proud of. Our partnerships are built on trust, and that trust is at the heart of everything we do.”

Caroline Bunce, Schemes Administrator:

With years of hands-on experience, Caroline is the friendly voice many of our schools and parents know well. From onboarding new schemes to assisting with insurance and warranty claims, Caroline provides a seamless, reassuring experience for everyone involved.

Lindsay Screen, Business Development Manager:

With over 30 years of experience in the leasing industry, 25 of those specialising in the public sector, Lindsay brings a deep knowledge of education finance and funding. She works closely with schools to offer transparent, cost-effective solutions, drawing on her long-standing relationships with banks, brokers and suppliers to support schools in making informed decisions. 

In addition to their individual roles, our core team also provides a dedicated concierge-style service, offering ongoing support throughout the entire lifetime of your scheme. With hands-on experience and a thorough understanding of both our platform and your school’s unique setup, the team is always on hand to answer queries, provide guidance, and ensure the process runs smoothly from start to finish. 

At edde, we are proud not just of the technology we offer schools, but of the people who bring it to life. Our commitment to ethical, transparent service, combined with the dedication of our team, is what continues to make a difference in the education sector. 

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A Decade of Dedication: edde Education Turns 10

edde Education are proud to have been successfully working in the education sector for 10 years. Over the past decade, we have grown organically with a passion for education and a commitment to delivering the best solutions and services. We take great pride in the support we offer to schools, their families and the wider communities, helping to make digital learning more accessible, manageable and sustainable for all. 

Our digital learning support is underpinned by transparency and integrity. We believe it is vital that the solutions we offer are not only effective but also morally and ethically right for the education sector.  

At edde, we firmly believe in providing clear, honest information. This allows schools to fully understand how our schemes are structured and ensures complete confidence in the process. There are no hidden fees, just clear and concise financials and reports.  

Our independence allows us to offer choice and flexibility, designing bespoke schemes tailored to each school’s needs. We work in close partnership with leading education resellers to deliver the latest products and solutions. These are supported by a strong panel of funders, enabling schools to access the most competitive financial options available. 

We also collaborate with PRA-approved insurance providers, all of whom are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. This gives schools and families peace of mind, knowing that every policy is protected and secure. By working with these trusted partners, we help create schemes that are not only effective but built for long-term success and stability. 

Our market-leading software platform, Tedd, lies at the heart of what we do. Developed in response to direct feedback from schools, Tedd has been carefully built and is continuously improved to meet the real-world needs of school staff, students and parents. It provides a user-friendly interface, extensive reporting, and real-time access, which is all designed to simplify the scheme management process. 

In addition, our dedicated concierge team is on hand to support schools throughout the entire lifetime of the scheme. With years of experience in administration, insurance claims and day-to-day management, our team works closely with schools, parents and students to ensure everyone receives the support they need. 

Our sole focus on digital learning in education is what makes edde truly unique. We have made a conscious decision not to profit from our schemes, but instead to reinvest in our people and our software. This allows us to continuously improve and deliver a best-in-class service for schools.  

As we celebrate this important milestone, we want to thank the incredible schools and communities who have worked with us over the past decade. Your trust, collaboration and commitment to digital learning has helped shape edde into who we are today. We look forward to continuing this journey with you, supporting the next generation of learners together. 

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edde the leading provider is bespoke digital 1-1 schemes

Based in Buckinghamshire, edde purely operates in the education sector with our focus on supporting digital learning for schools.

Over recent years, especially with the impact of remote learning, expectation of both students and parents has changed and the requirement for a device has almost become part of the uniform.

Research has proven that incorporating technology in the classroom and improve motivation, engagement and ultimately results.  However, budgets do not always allow for the school’s full vision to be fulfilled. Parental contributions are a way of achieving these ambitions together with supplementing the IT spend within schools. It enables pupils of all ages to have their own iPad, Chromebook, laptop, tablet, or other mobile learning device.  edde is the leading donation engine in the country and has been helping schools for 8 years to achieve this goal.

A parental contribution scheme is easy to set up. edde can provide advice, guidance and manage the scheme for you too. Ensuring that you do not have any additional administration burden.

All schemes are bespoke and can be tailored to be cash neutral or subsidised as required. edde are completely independent and are able to work with any reseller or funder giving complete transparency to all parties.

Example

Lenovo 300e Chromebook Gen 3, license, case, 3 years AD&T insurance and warranty

36 months – £12.50

24 months – £16.53

12 months – £28.40

So, why choose edde?

We provide flexible funding solutions and insurance options for all electronic products, which include:

  • 1:1 parent contribution scheme
  • 1:1 admin scheme including insurance portals
  • insurance and extended warranty solutions
We’ve got you covered

We are the first point of contact for all scheme related issues, payments, insurance and warranty. We are also able to offer accidental damage and theft insurance to cover students’ learning devices.

State-of-the-art portal

Access to our portal offers you a complete overview of your scheme, including all parental transactions, warranty and insurance claims.

Funding flexibility

We are also able to offer a variety of flexible funding solutions to help you give students access to the latest technology. Working with all the UK’s leading IT resellers to ensure you get the best possible prices.

 

https://edde.education/parent-contribution-device-scheme-enquiry-form/

 

 

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google chromebook auto update policy

Google Chromebook’s are a popular choice amongst digital 1-1 schemes due to the device being simple, secure and shareable. Chromebook devices give students access to all the key learning resources, apps and security protection all within an affordable price bracket.

choosing the correct chromebook for your school

All in all, Chromebooks are fantastic devices for schools. Seeing many schools enrol on the digital 1-1 scheme the most difficult part of the process is choosing what device.

A Guide to Chromebooks

When choosing a Chromebook for your schools digital 1-1 scheme, it is important to consider the auto update policy. All Chromebook devices receive regular updates to ensure efficiency and security of the device internally. However, there is an end date to these updates which is known as auto update expiration.

Each Chromebook has an auto update expiration which now lasts up to 10 years. The countdown begins when the first device on the platform is released. Therefore, based on this when choosing your schools Chromebook devices choose the device with the latest hardware platform. This will ensure all students are receiving the longest auto update support.

FOR INSTANCE

Starting from 2024 ChromeOS devices will be eligible to receive automatic security updates for 10 years after their release.

Chrome OS devices released prior to 2021 that will receive extended updates, some features and services might not be supported

Overall, Chromebook’s are highly recommended devices within the education sector, but ensure you are enabling your school and students to get the complete longevity of it. see Extended updates support.

Find Out More 

any questions? get in contact with edde today!

Enrolling schools on digital 1-1 schemes so often we understand what schools are looking for. Give us a call on 01494 611 465 or enquire online and we can advise you. Alternatively, we can put you in touch with suppliers who will be able to support you in your Chromebook choice. We look forward to hearing from you shortly.

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Leasing Accounting Standards In Schools

Where we were!

Schools have been accounted for under UK GAAP, the standard accounting practice in the UK. In 2008 the then chancellor Gordon Brown announced that ‘Schools are not allowed to borrow without permission of the Secretary of State for Education’. This meant that Schools could only enter into Operating Leases. There are several requirements for a lease to be deemed as an operating lease these include but are not limited to

1. Risk we resale of the asset sits with the funder there therefore has to be a residual investment. The easiest example of an operating lease is Contract Hire for a vehicle
2. You can’t lease for more than its useful life
3. It shouldn’t be of a specialised nature

Certain items that may have very long life or are high in intangible costs such as software or installation were either excluded or became economically unviable.

Costs for extension, indefinite use or third party buy out were unknown and varied massively often leading to unforeseen costs

Where we are!

The Public Sector has moved to International Financial Accounting Standard. Under these standard there is no differential between a lease with or without a residual investment so they are both accounted for in the same way.

The statement, Schools can’t borrow remains, however, specific consent has now been given by the DfE and certain items, including IT, can be leased without pre-approval. This therefore means that any lease whether it grants title at the end which can be documented or what we know as operating leases are now available to LA Schools from 1st April, with Trusts set to follow in September. As most items fall under the IRFS 16 low value assets exemption, these leases can still be classed as off balance sheet.

Trusts are not subject to IRFS as they are set up with Charitable status, but they were still not allowed to ‘borrow’, which they will be able to in September. They will still benefit from accounting for a lease as on balance sheet for finance leases or off balance sheet (a revenue expense) for operating leases.

The future

All Schools will now be able to make more appropriate informed decisions when considering the best way to purchase all IT assets. Where devices have been historically returned and replaced after 3 years to benefit from the most up to date kit, warranties etc, this will still be the best option. Items such as boards have been leased for many years, now we can match the term with the warranties and lease for a longer period of time, matching the term with the actually useful life. It may be simple that budget dictates a longer term is the most suitable option to enable the school to benefit from essential equipment now ensuring the best outcomes for the child and using their own IT resource more effectively.

For Trusts, they will have the benefits of the above, however they will still be able to place residual based leases off balance sheet, we can therefore help with capital and revenue budgets when deciding which is the best option.

With all options, we can request the banks future expectations there should therefore be no unforeseen costs. End of term options can be documented if required and appropriate.

With regards to 1:1 or BYOD devices that are backed by parental contribution we can again choose the most appropriate lease which will be easier to administer.

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See you at the Bett Show in London!

See you at the Bett Show in London!

See you at the Bett Show in London! Edde will hopefully see you at the Bett Show in London, which will be running between the 23rd and the 25th of March. It will be held at the ExCeL London where around 20,000 visitors are expected to be attending. Bett has over 400 solution providers, has […]

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