What do outdated school laptops , slow start-up times and unsupported operating systems have in common? They’re quietly eroding the quality of teaching in UK secondary schools.

In Beyond the Frozen Screen, research commissioned by ASUS reveals how poor technology infrastructure is costing schools more than they realise, not just in budget, but in teaching time, staff morale and student learning outcomes.

Insights from the report, based on a national survey of 913 secondary school teachers, highlights the concerning statistic that teachers lose an average of 37 minutes per week due to tech issues. This is equivalent to four full teaching days every school year. Multiply that by staff numbers and it’s thousands of hours lost.

The report also sheds light on the everyday struggles faced by schools using devices that should have been replaced years ago. To support schools in making the swtich, ASUS offers a range of modern classroom technology solutions in our latest brochure, designed to meet today's teaching demands. And with the Windows 10 end-of-service deadline having now passed, the urgency to upgrade has never been greater.

The real cost of outdated school technology in the UK

The numbers speak volumes:

• 41% of PCs and laptops are over six years old
• 51% of teachers say tech limits student learning
• 65% believe pupils are being let down by poor IT
• 46% say it’s affecting staff retention
• 58% say hardware failure is the top risk to teaching

It’s not just about slow-loading screens. Teachers report struggling to run essential apps, play videos and use EdTech software, with many losing student engagement while waiting for systems to boot up.

Yet many schools are trying to stretch outdated systems even further, unaware that after October 2025 Windows 10 will no longer receive updates, exposing schools to security threats and compatibility issues.

Why school IT problems go beyond the hardware

This report makes one thing clear: the problem isn’t reluctance to use technology. Teachers are upskilling and embracing tools like AI learning, virtual classrooms, and gamified lessons. But their ambitions are being held back by school hardware that simply can't keep up.

When asked what matters most in new devices, teachers prioritised:

• Good user experience (54%)
• Easy support and maintenance (52%)
• Longer battery life and service lifespan (41%)
• Compatibility with existing school systems (38%)

Put simply: teachers want technology that works every time.

Upgrading school IT: What UK schools are doing next

The report doesn’t just diagnose a problem; it outlines a way forward. ASUS’s education-focused devices and IT solutions are designed to meet real classroom needs: fast, ruggedised, easy to manage, and ready for modern teaching.

Schools are already beginning to respond:

• 62% are planning OS upgrades
• 25% have already made the switch
• Only 8% still plan to use Windows 10, despite the need to modernise for education-focused devices and IT solutions Windows 11

But this leaves a significant minority at risk and time is running out.

Why school leaders should read the ASUS report

Beyond the Frozen Screen is essential reading for school leaders, IT staff, governors and policy makers. It goes beyond identifying pain points, it reveals the true cost of outdated tech in schools, from lost teaching time to reduced student outcomes, and makes a compelling case for urgent investment in modern, reliable technology.

Get the full picture on school tech readiness

Download Beyond the frozen screen, ASUS's report on how outdated technology is affecting UK secondary education. Packed with insights, teacher data, and practical recommendations for IT leaders and school decision-makers.