Ipads at school

SIR – I applaud Peter Phillips, the prep-school head (Features, November 2), for his ban on mobile phones but I cannot agree with his regressive policy towards digital devices in general.

The internet is a wonderful teaching resource. At Maidwell Hall, where I am headmaster, we have embraced the new technology wholeheartedly and all children have ipads, which they take to each lesson, as well as textbooks. They are only used for lessons, prep and emailing home (as we are a full boarding school) and free time remains screen-free at all times.

I cannot imagine a return to the old whiteboard now that I have my Apple Pencil. Screens are a fact of life for the young and they need to be taught to use digital technology responsibly.

Banning devices is not the answer. Robert Lankester

Maidwell, Northamptonshire