Schools step up IT recycling as summer refresh approaches

ICT Reverse has reported a noticeable rise in enquiries from the education sector, as institutions prepare for their annual technology refresh ahead of the September term.

A major contributing factor has been the upcoming end of support for Windows 10 in October 2025, prompting schools to accelerate upgrades to Windows 11 devices to ensure security compliance and maintain access to critical updates.

The past five years have seen an unprecedented expansion in digital learning, and with it, a significant increase in the volume of IT equipment used in schools.

According to the British Educational Suppliers Association (BESA), the average UK secondary school now holds around 520 devices for student and teacher use - an increase driven by remote learning adoption, 1:1 device schemes, and a digitally enhanced curriculum.

Even in primary schools, the average is over 150 devices, demonstrating how deeply embedded technology has become across all stages of education.

This digital transformation brings not only benefits but also responsibilities, particularly when it comes to end-of-life management of devices.

ICT Reverse, a leader in IT asset disposal and secure data destruction, has been working closely with schools, colleges and universities to provide accredited, environmentally responsible, and fully traceable recycling services.

“Schools are under pressure to modernise their digital infrastructure to meet the demands of today’s learners,” said Sophie Gray, MD at ICT Reverse. “But with that comes a growing obligation to manage legacy equipment in a way that is both secure and sustainable.”

Secure data erasure is more important than ever, as recent high-profile data breaches such as the one affecting Marks & Spencer has highlighted.

Every device handled by ICT Reverse undergoes rigorous data sanitisation aligned with ADISA 8.0 standards, ensuring full GDPR compliance and safeguarding sensitive information.

Ken Parker, Head of Compliance at ICT Reverse, emphasises the importance of accredited processes:

“Educational institutions store a wide range of personal and confidential data. Without proper disposal, that data could be exposed. That’s why secure, accredited IT asset disposal is not just best practice - it’s essential.”

As the summer term progresses, ICT Reverse is encouraging schools to plan ahead for their refresh cycle. With sustainability, security, and regulatory compliance at the forefront, responsible IT recycling is no longer a “nice to have”- it’s a vital part of modern education infrastructure.

For more information about ICT Reverse’s tailored services for the education sector, visit: www.ictreverse.com/education