When it comes to upgrading IT equipment, many schools instinctively think new is best. But with tightening budgets and increasing sustainability targets, it’s time to rethink that assumption.

There’s a whole category of high-quality, refurbished laptops and IT equipment that many schools simply haven’t considered yet—equipment that’s not only cost-effective but also backed by solid warranties and reliable lifecycle management.

 

Trusted Refurbished IT:
Where it comes from and why it’s right for schools

One of the biggest barriers to choosing refurbished equipment is trust. Schools understandably worry about the risks of buying second-hand—unknown history, unreliable devices, and a lack of aftercare.

That’s why where refurbished equipment comes from makes all the difference.

At InnoVent, the majority of our refurbished 2nd Life IT range of devices comes from our own managed IT lifecycle. Here’s what that means:

• We supply brand-new, high-spec equipment to corporate clients, from Dell, Lenovo and HP.
• We manage that equipment throughout its first life—typically three years.
• When it comes back to us, we thoroughly refurbish it, upgrade it and leave it looking as good as new.
• We then provide full warranties for up to three years on the refurbished equipment.

In short: we know the entire history of the devices we offer. It’s equipment we originally supplied and managed—nothing from unknown sources, no corner-cutting, just quality you can trust.

 

Why It’s Time for schools to Rethink CAPEX vs. OPEX

CapEx vs OpEx: What's the difference and what do they actually mean?

 

When schools think about IT refresh projects, the traditional mindset is CAPEX-heavy:

“I need £1,000 per device, I need 50 of them, that’s £50,000 upfront.”

This approach ties up big chunks of your budget, forces you into long approval cycles, and often means putting off critical upgrades until the next funding window. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Schools can now move towards an OPEX model—spreading the cost over time—which gives you financial flexibility, smoother cash flow, and the chance to fund larger or more urgent projects now, instead of phasing them across multiple years.

For example: That £50,000 IT refresh (based on brand new equipment) might only cost £39,500 on a lease, because we factor in a residual value. This allows you to upgrade your entire system now, rather than doing it in parts, and preserve budget for other priorities, rather than exhausting it all in one go.

It’s about removing the financial headache and making IT projects more manageable.

 

Real-World Example:
How one school transformed its IT Strategy

 

New Christ Church Primary School is one of the schools we work with that faced exactly this challenge. They needed to replace aging laptops but were constrained by a limited annual budget. Rather than delaying or splitting the project, they shifted from a CAPEX model to an OPEX model—spreading the cost over multiple years.

As part of their solution, they also chose 2nd Life IT equipment, helping them maximise value while supporting sustainability.

This approach allowed them to:

• Roll out a complete IT upgrade in one go.
• Avoid the risk of mismatched, piecemeal infrastructure.
• Stay within their annual budget and free up funds for other projects.

“Our experience with 2nd Life IT laptops has been great; they are very robust and reliable. The students use them for various educational programs, like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other learning tools like TT Rock Starz. If there's an issue with a laptop, InnoVent replaces it, unlike dealing with manufacturers directly."

- David Shepherd | Bursar
New Christ Church Primary School
Read the full case study here.

Why Schools Should Act Now

Refurbished doesn’t mean second-best. It means:

• Quality equipment you can trust.
• Warranties that give you peace of mind.
• Budgets that work harder and go further.
• A more sustainable IT strategy.

By exploring refurbished options and flexible payment models, schools can upgrade their technology, reduce risk, and support green initiatives—all without blowing the budget.

If you’re planning your next IT refresh, it’s worth asking: Could refurbished devices be the smarter choice for your school?

Explore our 2nd Life IT range of devices. Download the Catalogue Here or get in touch with us.