Pupils at an Oswaldtwistle school have got the school year off to a flying start with free tablet computers.

All Year seven students at Rhyddings have been given a free tablet computer to help with their studies to and give them a great start to their secondary education.

The Android tablets, given out as part of a new welcome pack to pupils starting their first year with stationery and pencil case, have been chosen specifically to work well with the school’s Google Apps cloud system.

This allows students to check their school emails, as well as access and upload homework.

The school is implementing a new homework policy, as well as a new online cashless payment system for school dinners and trips which can be accessed via the tablet. Parents will also be able to use the tablet to access Go4Schools, Rhyddings online progress monitor and VivoMiles an online rewards system so they can see how their child is doing.

Headteacher Paul Trickett said: “This is another exciting Rhyddings initiative that will build on the already strong communications link between students, school and parents.

“Technology like this is becoming more affordable all the time.”