ST JOHN’S Academy in Marlborough has been awarded a £3,000 grant to help students whose families don’t have access to appropriate technology while the school is closed.

It will enable the purchase of new 2-in-1 tablets that can be loaned out to students so they can work effectively from home and also keep in touch with their friends.

Over the last few weeks, since St John’s closed to students, the entire stock of laptops has been loaned out to students.

School work is being set online for all students in Years 7-10 and Year 12, and students need to be able to easily access work, complete it, and return it to their teachers online.

The grant is from the Marlborough Area Board and Marlborough Local Youth Network.

It was the brainchild of Councillor Stewart Dobson and Andrew Jack, Wiltshire Council community engagement manager.

Brigid Jones, St John’s School Business Manager said:

“We really appreciate this grant from the Area Board, as it will allow us to loan devices to several identified students, enabling them to access St John’s online resources.”