Every pupil in Wales gets Microsoft 365 for free – again
The Welsh Government has confirmed it will continue funding free access to Microsoft 365 for all learners and teachers in state schools across Wales.
The agreement, announced by Cabinet Secretary for Education Lynne Neagle, extends a national initiative first launched in 2019. It ensures that pupils and staff can continue using Microsoft 365 services both at school and at home through Hwb, the country’s central digital learning platform.
Wales was one of the first nations in the world to introduce this kind of nationwide digital access. Since its introduction, more than 1,450 schools have benefited, alongside around 122,000 families, saving an estimated £84.99 per household on the cost of a personal Microsoft 365 licence.
Over 320,500 digital devices, including laptops, have been funded under the Hwb programme since 2019, supporting both learners and educators.
Cabinet Secretary for Education Lynne Neagle said:
“We were one of the first countries to invest in this way to support access to Microsoft 365 and building on this work, we are once again able to fully fund access for schools.
“This year we have invested £12 million in schools’ digital provision, and are fully committed to enhancing schools’ digital environments, with £167 million invested since 2019. This includes providing devices for learners and practitioners to ensure equity of access to digital technology.
“Having one agreement funded by Welsh Government demonstrates the commitment to digital equity and inclusion for our learners and help to ease the financial pressure on schools, enabling them to maximise the benefits of digital technology in education.
“Many learners already benefit from this agreement, but I want to raise awareness that these digital services are freely available for learners and teachers to use at home.”
The renewed deal supports the Welsh Government’s ongoing investment in digital learning, ensuring that schools remain equipped to deliver modern, technology-based education and that families continue to benefit from free access to essential digital tools.
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