Steyning Grammar School parents still waiting for iPads despite paying in November

A surge in demand for the devices has brought a global supply shortage, but parents are frustrated at being asked to pay such a large sum just before Christmas.

One parent, who wished to remain anonymous, paid £900 for two iPads in early November.

“The situation is really frustrating,” they said.

“We felt pressured to join the iPads scheme so our children wouldn’t be disadvantaged in school if everyone else had a device, and had intended the iPads to be part of the kids’ Christmas presents.

“We paid our money back in November, and were told the new way of working would be launched in January.

“Now some people have got their iPads, but we’re being told we might not get the iPads until April.”

In an email to parents, iPad provider Freedom Technology said it had been told by iPad manufacturer Apple that only 14 per cent of the requested stock would be coming into the UK over the next two months.

That would be going to the NHS as a priority, the email said, confirming pupils would not receive iPads until at least April – five months after payment was given.

A spokesman for Steyning Grammar School said: “We are disappointed in the delay to the delivery of 1:2:1 iPads to our school. There is an international shortage of iPads, due to the demand caused by the pandemic, and we realise this matter is frustrating for students and their families. We thank parents for their patience on this matter.”