Howitt Primary Community School
Transforming a historic school into a modern, connected learning environment
A complete technology transformation at Howitt Primary replaced unreliable systems with modern, connected infrastructure – empowering teachers, supporting SEND pupils, and dramatically improving classroom engagement, staff wellbeing, and confidence in delivering high-quality, technology-enabled learning experiences.
The Challenge
Howitt Primary Community School, part of the Embark Federation, operates within a building dating back over a century. While rich in heritage, the school’s technology infrastructure had fallen behind – creating real barriers to effective teaching and learning.
Unreliable internet connectivity, ageing classroom equipment, and limited access to modern digital tools meant staff were often working around technology, rather than with it. This impacted lesson delivery, reduced confidence in classroom tech, and placed additional pressure on teachers.
There was a clear need for a complete, future-ready transformation – one that would support both staff wellbeing and improved pupil outcomes.
The Solution
L.E.A.D. IT Services delivered a full-scale technology overhaul through the government-backed Connect the Classroom scheme – bringing modern, reliable, and intuitive technology into every corner of the school.
Key elements of the solution included:
Digital Refresh & Installation
Installation of the latest interactive Smartboards across classrooms and shared spaces <br /> <br />
Network Infrastructure Upgrade
A brand-new high-performance WiFi network, supported by infrastructure upgrades
High-Speed Connectivity Implementation
Reliable high-speed internet connectivity for consistent access to online resources
Staff Device Upgrade
New staff laptops to enable flexible teaching and planning
SEN Inclusive Upgrades
Dedicated devices and assistive technology for pupils with special educational needs
This was not just a technology refresh – it was a complete reimagining of how digital tools could support teaching, learning, and inclusion.
The Impact
The transformation has had an immediate and meaningful impact across the school – enhancing both educational outcomes and day-to-day experiences for staff and pupils.
Teachers now deliver more engaging, interactive lessons using high-quality digital resources, with Smartboards enabling content to be saved, reused, and built upon over time.
As class teacher Beth Pilgrim explains:
The new Smartboards in school have been really useful for the children. It’s given us the capability to show them better quality resources.
The improved technology has also enabled more inclusive learning experiences. One pupil with special educational needs has already seen significant progress thanks to access to a dedicated device and supportive software:
Through that he has a piece of software which shows pictures popping up when he’s typing words. There’s been a big difference in a few weeks.
Interactive learning has become more engaging and effective across the curriculum. Nyta Sellars, Higher Level Teaching Assistant, highlights the impact in maths:
It’s much more meaningful for their learning because they can interact and practise their maths skills and knowledge.
Crucially, the overhaul has removed a major source of frustration for staff. Reliable systems mean teachers can now plan and deliver lessons with confidence:
It’s great not having to worry. I’m confident that what we’re planning is going to be used correctly in the classroom… It gets rid of that worry and that pressure.
The Outcome
The shift from unreliable, outdated technology to a fully connected, modern environment has been transformative – not just for learning, but for staff wellbeing and school culture.
"It’s so good to have technology that works because we have really struggled for a long time… It’s been wonderful."
Headteacher Lynn Pilling reflects on the scale of change
