The ICT Challenge for Ysgol Gyfun Gwyr
Ysgol Gyfun Gwyr, Gowerton, Swansea is a Welsh medium comprehensive school with nearly 750 pupils covering ages 11-18 years old. As with many schools, over the past two years Ysgol Gyfun Gwyr has experienced funding cuts and been faced with the challenge of replacing a large amount of their ICT equipment within diminished budgets. Gareth Edmondson, Head of ICT had to find a solution to ensure the equipment purchased was appropriate to deliver the required level of ICT teaching.

The ICT Direct Solution
Through a specialist educational ICT forum called Edugeek, Gareth was put in touch with ICT Direct who are distributors of refurbished computer equipment to schools. He opened up discussions with ICT Direct and was astounded to find what was available from them. Gareth commented, “Previously we would have paid between £500 – £550 per desktop with a 19” monitor and 3-year warranty. By using ICT Direct we have been able to extend our purchasing power and get better value for money by ordering refurbished machines. The ICT Direct computers come with 3-year warranty, and offer excellent value for money for technology that is still current.”

The school has made ICT Direct their main supplier of desktop machines due to the excellent value for money they are receiving. Over the past 18-24 months a large amount of computer equipment has been delivered throughout the school.
Gareth continued, “The ICT Direct team has provided an excellent service since we first spoke to them. They are always available on the phone and
email to answer any queries we have, plus all their quotes are prompt and deliveries are all made at a time suitable to the school.”

Costs Savings for the school
Gareth concluded, “Tremendous cost savings have been made – basically two refurbished machines for the price of one brand new machine – often of similar specification. We have practically refreshed the whole school with refurbished machines supplied by ICT Direct. With a few departments left due for refurbishment, I would have no hesitation in recommending ICT Direct to others (and have done so) and will be using them again as our main supplier of desktop PCs.”

For further details about ICT Direct please visit the website at www.ictdirect.co.uk or call 01254 820980.