Alright, let’s get into it—device management in schools. It’s one of those topics where every school has an opinion, but no one seems to agree on the “perfect” model. Some independent schools are all-in on BYOD, some have gone fully managed, and plenty are camped out in the middle, navigating a hybrid approach that’s evolving year by year, cohort by cohort.
Here’s the thing: there’s no one right way to do it—but there are definitely wrong ways. And finding that sweet spot means balancing four things that don’t always want to play nicely together:
The challenge? What works for a Year 4 class probably doesn’t fly with the Year 11 design students, and vice versa. So any policy worth its salt has to recognise that student needs shift dramatically over time.
This piece is about how schools are finding (or trying to find) that balance—what’s working, what’s not, and how smart IT teams are navigating the tension without sacrificing learning outcomes or operational sanity.
Let’s start with the elephant in the server room—security. According to SureDeploy’s latest research into endpoint management in independent schools, the biggest challenge for IT teams isn’t whether to manage devices. It’s how to do it without tanking usability, locking everything down to the point of pain, or blowing out the support queue.
It’s a real balancing act—compliance frameworks are getting tighter, threat actors are getting smarter, and the expectation is that everything still “just works” for staff and students.
As one IT leader from Tasmania put it:
"The biggest risk is your user. By integrating identity and device management, schools can detect patterns, like failed logins or unauthorized device access."
That one quote sums up the entire challenge in a single sentence. You can invest in great tools, but if the person behind the keyboard isn’t protected—or worse, isn’t paying attention—your whole system is at risk.
Which brings us to the three strategic priorities that most schools are wrestling with:
We’ll walk through each of these in detail below. Spoiler: it’s not about choosing one—it’s about designing policies that can deliver all three at the right time, in the right context.
Risk management: the non-negotiable starting point.
If your device policy lacks solid risk management, it's not effective. Schools must protect student data and ensure a secure digital environment, a task growing more difficult with complex threats and tighter regulations. The perception that zero-trust security is "too strict" for education is outdated. Schools are increasingly targeted, given the wealth of personal data and extensive online access.
Modern device management enables strict access control, patching, and threat response without hindering user experience. It's crucial to center on identity: knowing who signs in, from what device, where, and when. Alerts for suspicious activity help prevent breaches. Effective device management ensures safe learning environments and peace of mind for IT teams.
This is where device management gets personal. Beyond the technical aspects, learning isn’t equal when one student has a high-end MacBook and another struggles with a 10-year-old Chromebook.
As one NSW school IT leader put it:
“With BYOD, in one class, you could have a student with a brand-new Mac and another with a 10-year-old Chromebook. This can become a nightmare for teachers.”
It’s not just about aesthetics or performance—it’s about access. Variability in devices complicates teaching, as teachers spend more time troubleshooting than teaching, and students with unreliable gear fall behind.
Standardised device programs are gaining traction to reduce classroom variability and ensure every student has the same baseline tech. This approach removes significant friction for both students and staff, making the environment fairer and more efficient.
While standardisation fosters equity, it must evolve as students mature. Schools are shifting from rigid policies to teaching effective device usage. As students advance, flexibility with their devices is key for developing digital literacy, independent troubleshooting, and preparation for future tasks.
Success lies in a tiered approach: strict control for younger students, gradual autonomy in middle years, and more open configurations for senior students with specific needs or skills. The goal is to teach students to recover from mistakes, think critically about technology, and take ownership of their learning. Flexibility with scaffolding, freedom with accountability.
Getting it right creates a pathway, not just a policy.
"The shift to 1:1 managed policies is gaining pace—driven by security demands, standardised testing requirements, and growing parental support."
(SureDeploy Independent Schools Report, 2025)
Even with the benefits stacking up, some schools are still hesitant to jump into a fully managed device program. And fair enough—there are a few common concerns that tend to come up during leadership or parent discussions. But as the research shows, many of these fears are based on outdated assumptions or incomplete information.
Higher cost burden: Many believe that transitioning to 1:1 devices means significant costs for the school or families. However, with smart procurement, leasing, and support options, schools can offer managed devices affordably without imposing excessive costs on families.
Limited device flexibility: Some worry managed devices won’t support specialized needs like media production or high-performance design. However, many schools are making exceptions for senior programs and niche use cases. The goal is to get the 80% right and adapt where necessary.
Resource intensity: IT teams often worry that 1:1 managed devices will increase their workload. While manual management can be overwhelming, modern MDM platforms, automation, and remote management tools make daily operations smoother. Outsourcing setup and Tier 1 support can ease the burden.
These challenges are real but solvable, and the benefits are worth the effort.
When schools do commit to a fully managed 1:1 device policy, the payoff is more than just peace of mind for IT—it’s a smoother, more consistent experience for everyone in the ecosystem: students, teachers, support staff, and leadership.
SureDeploy’s research highlights three standout benefits:
It’s not just a win for tech management—it’s a shift in how learning happens, and how smoothly it runs.
Every school is different—different students, different teaching philosophies, different operational constraints. So it makes sense that no two device policies will be identical. But if there’s one message from SureDeploy’s research that keeps coming through loud and clear, it’s this: your device policy shouldn’t just be a security checklist. It should reflect what your school actually stands for.
That means asking the bigger questions:
This is where strategic alignment matters. Device policies aren’t just operational—they’re cultural. Schools that nail the balance tend to do four things really well:
When those pillars guide your approach, the device policy becomes more than just a tech decision—it becomes a core part of how your school delivers on its mission.
One key theme from SureDeploy’s research is the shift toward nuanced, age-specific device policies. Instead of binary models like “junior vs senior,” schools now adopt more realistic hybrid approaches.
An IT leader from Victoria explains the new thinking: “Internet filtering used to be in two groups—K-6 and 7-12. We need more nuanced policies, deploying specific restrictions for each age group.”
This has led to hybrid models, with full control and filtering in early years, measured freedom in middle years, and increased flexibility for seniors. This staged approach supports student maturity, progressively introducing digital responsibility and self-management skills.
IT policies are now evolving documents, adapting alongside student growth—as they should be.
Let’s be honest—this gets complex quickly. Compliance frameworks, multi-platform device fleets, and constant software updates make it unsurprising that many schools bring in outside help. This isn’t a weakness; it’s strategic.
Partnering with mobile device management specialists who understand education means using solutions that fit classrooms—not retrofitted corporate solutions. It’s about enhancing learning outcomes, teacher experience, and operational sanity.
What should you look for in a partner?
It’s not about outsourcing responsibility but enhancing capability. The right partner brings tools, experience, and context to help you achieve more with less stress and fewer gaps.
"The shift to 1:1 managed policies is gaining pace—driven by security demands, standardised testing requirements, and growing parental support."
(SureDeploy Independent Schools Report, 2025)
So, where’s all this heading? SureDeploy’s research indicates a clear trend: structured policies for younger students and flexibility for seniors. Schools are moving away from blanket policies to dynamic models suited to students' developmental, academic, and social needs. This approach balances safety and student success amid evolving threats and stricter compliance requirements.
The emerging gold standard includes:
Device management is about trust among schools, students, IT, leadership, and the cloud. Leading schools treat device policy as a strategic asset, not an outdated document.
Does your device management approach reflect the latest trends in educational technology? Learn how independent schools across Australia are evolving their strategies in our whitepaper, Beyond BYOD: Redefining Device Strategies in Australian Independent Schools.