It is not just about working in books or on whiteboards at West Acton Primary School, which has recently been recognised as a ‘Microsoft Showcase School’.
Pupils in Key Stage 2 (ages 7 to 11) are each given their own iPads to work on in the classroom. And, the younger children share devices. They use tools such as Immersive Reader, which reads text aloud and helps with reading skills, and Translator, which converts text into different languages, make learning easier for everyone.
Pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) or English as an Additional Language (EAL) use personalised tools that build independence and confidence.
For headteacher Karen Kondo, the use of devices is about more than technology. She said: “I want our pupils to look back and feel their time here prepared them for the future. They are learning to collaborate, organise their learning, and use technology in ways they will need beyond school.”
Computer giant, Microsoft, gave the showcase status to the school this year for being one of around 1,000 worldwide that are leading the way in using technology to improve teaching and learning.
Karen explained that during the Covid pandemic the school switched to mostly online learning. But once the pandemic was over, it went back to using paper and pens. The staff noticed how much extra time it involved, and how much paper was being wasted.
She said: “Our ICT suite was becoming obsolete, and I began to question whether pupils even used desktop computers at home. So I explored alternatives, visited schools, and saw how technology could be used in a purposeful, strategic way. It opened my eyes to what was possible.”
In the 18 months that followed, the school combined in-house training with external support and trained 5 staff members to become Microsoft Innovative Educators – teachers who have completed specialist training to use Microsoft tools creatively and effectively in the classroom.
Karen also completed an apprenticeship in digital leadership.
The school is holding a Microsoft Showcase School Day on Wednesday 28 January 2026 from 9am to 2pm. The event is for educators to see technology in action, hear the school’s journey, and network. You can book a place on Eventbrite or email admin@west-acton.ealing.sch.uk.
