Choosing the right desktops and monitors for a school or Multi-Academy Trust requires balancing performance, reliability and long-term value. Different roles across a school, from administration and MIS systems to classrooms and specialist teaching spaces, require different levels of computing power and screen specifications.

This guide outlines the key decisions schools should consider when planning desktop and monitor purchases. It covers matching device performance to specific roles, standardising equipment across a school or trust, planning device lifecycles, and selecting appropriate form factors and energy-efficient systems.

It also highlights important monitor considerations such as screen size, resolution, ergonomics and connectivity, alongside practical issues like Windows 11 readiness, refurbishment options and responsible recycling of old equipment. The aim is to help schools specify devices that are reliable, easy to support and suitable for long-term use across teaching and administrative environments.