Empower the Children… Shape the Future

York, UK, 14 August 2013: Phoenix Software is delighted to announce it is now part of the Microsoft Shape the Future Programme.

Shape the Future is a global programme from Microsoft that provides a comprehensive approach for Governments exploring a transformation of their education system to prepare students for the 21st Century.

Working with Phoenix Software under the Shape the Future programme, schools and further education colleges funded by the Department for Education can now offer affordable Windows 8 devices to their students (19 years old and under) and staff for home use.

Microsoft has significantly reduced the price of the Windows 8 Professional operating system and Microsoft Office 2013 Professional Suite on devices supplied by Phoenix Software to schools and colleges participating in the scheme. To be eligible to join the scheme, schools and colleges need to agree to part-fund their students/staff purchases by a minimum of 50% of purchase price.

Participating schools and colleges will also benefit from reinvestment funding provided by Microsoft to provide a selection of third party ‘value added services’ which include teacher training.

Sam Mudd, Director at Phoenix Software, said: “Shape the Future has the power to put knowledge in the hands of children - that knowledge empowers them to shape their own future. Here at Phoenix Software, we passionately believe that Shape the Future is a true force for good and are proud to be part of such a scheme.  Through it we can provide schools and colleges with an affordable and simple way to deliver one-to-one computing to both students and staff.”

Steve Beswick, UK Education Director at Microsoft, comments: "Shape the Future is designed to provide better one-to-one computing experiences for young people and aims to improve their confidence, IT skills and ultimately their employability. At a time of high youth unemployment, we think it is more important than ever that we invest in our young people. We are excited to work with our leading UK Education Reseller, Phoenix Software, on this programme which will enable us to make a true impact in preparing students for the 21st Century in schools and colleges throughout the UK.”