Classroom chaos: teachers report £3,000 annual damage bill and demand rugged devices to withstand school life

In partnership with Intel

The typical teacher sees six chairs, five desks and four whiteboards damaged in their classrooms each year - contributing to an annual bill of nearly £3,000.

A study of 500 secondary school educators discovered the result of clumsy – or sometimes intentional – mishaps caused by students, including three windows being smashed annually.

The results also revealed three doors get damaged and five computers and laptops need replacing or fixing.

While 67% claimed the harm caused to their school is typically accidental, 58% have witnessed deliberate destruction.

A spokesperson for computer manufacturer ASUS, which commissioned the study, said: "The stats really sum up the damage caused by kids in school, whether it's expensive tech items or classroom essentials.

Kids and young teens aren’t always damaging things maliciously, however, and accidents do happen which can unfortunately hit schools in the pocket.

And while it may not be overly expensive to replace a pencil case, smashing a laptop screen can be a lot more financially punishing.”

As many as three quarters of teachers polled also believe kids are worse behaved than any other time in their teaching career.

With the typical respondent having been an educator for eight years – and 10% having done more than 20 years.

Classrooms were found to be where most school damage occurred (75%), compared to toilets (54%) and hallways (36%).

While 49% believe damage to school items at their place of work are becoming more common – with only 9% reporting it going down.

A little under half (46%) of teachers polled consider it important that school technology is durable and rugged.

And 39% wish the tech they used was more robust, with 32% expressing that the stuff they have isn’t currently up to the physical task.

Nearly four in 10 (38%) have paid for repairs to school products out of their own pockets, at a cost of more than £155.

Nearly one in 10 (9%) even say their school has had to close temporarily in the last year due to broken equipment, according to the OnePoll.com figures.

ASUS’s spokesperson added: “Even when damage isn't intentional, the cost of repairs can be substantial.

 It's a diversion of funds that ultimately impacts the quality of education and resources available to students and teachers.

 Educators know the importance of having the right devices on hand that can withstand the rough and tumble of school life – from calculators to computers.

 But there are options available - like ruggedised laptops for students - which help schools save money when budgets are tight.”

 

Background

Research was carried out online by One Poll among a sample of 500 secondary school teachers working in the UK between 14 – 20 August 2024. One Poll is an MRS Company Partner and an ESOMAR Corporate Member, meaning it adheres to the highest international market research standards worldwide.

For more information

A range of ruggedised laptops are available from ASUS, starting at £329.99.