Pupils are not expected to use laptop computers or mobile devices like iPads during lessons. Most pupils use email or USB storage devices to transfer information between home and school.

Many boarders, especially in Middle School and the Sixth Form, do however find a laptop useful in the evenings and at weekends for work and communication. The school’s IT Service Department offers a wireless network that boarders can connect laptop computers to for internet access. Web filtering software ensures that access is appropriate for use in school.

Further details can be found in these documents:

• Letter to Parents of Boarders August 2011 (238KB)
• Frequently Asked Questions about Pupil Laptops 2011/12 (74KB)

Antivirus Checks of Boarders' Laptops

From January 2011, all boarders' laptops connecting to the wireless network will be checked for antivirus software every time they connect. A letter is being sent to parents of all boarders providing more details about this new requirement. Parents are asked to ensure that antivirus software supported on the school's network is installed on their child's laptop before they arrive at school.

See the Getsafeonline website for straightforward, practical advice about online safety. You might find their independent advice on viruses and antivirus software helpful. Please be aware of antivirus scams, also detailed on their website.

To install and use antivirus software successfully on their laptops, boarders should:

• download a supported antivirus application (software) - click here for a list of products supported by the school's wireless network
• set the software to update its virus definitions automatically, at least once a week - this keeps it protected from new viruses
• set the software to scan new files constantly, and to perform a full system scan at least once a week

Antimalware software is usually free (e.g. Microsoft Security Suite) and is often included with antivirus software. We suggest that this is also loaded on boarders' laptops to protect them from Trojans, spyware and other problems.

Laptops attempting to connect to the wireless network that do not have valid, up-to-date software will fail the checks and be quarantined. They will then only have internet access to antivirus websites to download and update software. Once appropriate software has been installed, run and updated, the student will be able to connect fully to the wireless network.

iPADs, iPhones and other mobile devices used by boarding students, and authorised to connect to the wireless network, will not be checked for viruses at this stage.