Independent Study Reveals Lasting Impact of Midlothian's Equipped for Learning Programme
Five years after Midlothian Council launched Scotland's most ambitious digital learning programme, young people are achieving better results in reading, writing and maths, while more than 86% of pupils say digital technology helps them learn more effectively.
First independent large-scale study
The findings are from Scotland's first independent large-scale study into the long-term impact of a universal digital learning programme in schools and focus on Midlothian's Equipped for Learning (EfL) project, which provides every school-age learner with access to a device for learning.
Unveiled today
'Equipped for Learning – an independent review of impact (2021-2026)' report - was unveiled publicly for the first time at Growing Up Digital: 5 Years of Equipped for Learning, a professional learning and leadership event on 27 and 28 August at Newbattle Abbey College in Dalkeith. Education leaders from across Scotland heard directly from the study's author, Dr Fiona Aubrey-Smith, an award-winning teacher, researcher and one of the UK's leading voices on digital learning, who carried out the year-long independent evaluation.
More than 15,000 pupils
Since launching in 2021, Midlothian Council's £10.5 million Equipped for Learning programme has given more than 15,000 children and young people access to digital tools and technology to support learning, life and work. Early Learning Centres have also benefited from technology designed to support children's development from their earliest years.
Rigorous research
Dr Aubrey-Smith’s study involved classroom observations, interviews, focus groups and more than 8,600 survey responses from learners, families and staff across Midlothian.
Highlights
Key findings:
- Results in reading, writing and maths improved significantly over three years. Across P4, P7 and S3, attainment in literacy increased by around 11%, while numeracy attainment for the same year groups rose from 72.8% to 80.2%.
- 86% of learners said Equipped for Learning helps them learn more effectively, rising to 89% for learners with Additional Support Needs.
- 64% of learners said having access to the same learning tools at home and school helped them take greater responsibility for their learning.
- 26% of learners said their device helped reduce feelings of stress or overwhelm by giving them quick access to help and support.
- Accessibility tools were used 7.9 million times during the 2025/26 school year, helping remove barriers to learning and improve inclusion.
Demonstrable impact
Dr Fiona Aubrey-Smith report concludes in the report: "As a result of the collegiate and deeply thoughtful approach taken by Midlothian leaders, digital provision has been embedded across Midlothian's Learning, Teaching and Assessment framework - leading to demonstrable impact on learning, teaching and wider school and quality improvement."
Making a difference
Councillor Ellen Scott, Midlothian Council's Cabinet Member for Education, welcomed the report’s findings. She said: "Five years ago, Midlothian Council made a bold commitment to ensure every child had access to the same opportunities to learn and succeed. This independent study shows that Equipped for Learning is making a real difference, helping to improve attainment, promote inclusion and give young people the confidence and digital skills they need for the future. We are proud that Midlothian continues to lead the way in putting children and young people at the heart of digital learning."
Wider success
The report adds Midlothian's success is not only about providing devices. Instead, it highlights the importance Midlothian has placed on investing in staff training, accessibility, family engagement and learner support to make sure every child has the opportunity to succeed.
In the picture
The report's author, Dr Fiona Aubrey-Smith is on the far right with Midlothian Council's Cabinet Member for Education, Councillor Ellen Scott on the far left and Midlothian Council Chief Executive Dr Grace Vickers, centre