According to government figures published in response to a parliamentary question, in 2018 some 5,620 iPads were distributed to young learners in Luxembourg high schools as a learning tool. This increased from 440 in 2017, a year after the education tablet scheme was piloted in the grand duchy.

Responding to a parliamentary question from MP Marc Goergen (Pirate partéi), education minister Claude Meisch (DP) wrote that the choice of Apple as a provider of tablets was unanimous following a test in schools. He wrote that they were the best-suited brand in relation to the educational programme and technical elements.

He further added the aim was to use them for as long as possible or until they break. After three years, learners have the option to buy their iPad. Alternatively, they will be sold off or reconditioned and redistributed. Broken tablets will be recycled, Meisch wrote.

High schools in Luxembourg may apply for iPads to be distributed among learners, who pay a rent of €5 per month. To qualify, they must prove they have a clear programme which justifies the device’s use.

Last year it was thought that a fifth of all high school students had been equipped with tablets as a learning tool.