Winchester College ditches laptops and screens in favour of pen and paper for all learning

From the Newshound archive · first published 11 October 2026.

Winchester College has abandoned laptops and digital screens in favour of traditional pen and paper across its classrooms. The move by one of Britain's most prestigious independent schools marks a significant reversal of the technology-first approach that swept through education over the past decade. The decision has drawn international attention, with outlets from India to the US picking up the story.

Winchester, which charges fees of tens of thousands per year, joins a growing number of elite schools questioning the educational value of screens.

The shift covers learning across the school rather than a limited trial, making it one of the most comprehensive tech bans at a major UK institution.