Acer and Intel bring AI-powered learning to UK SEND students at Millgate School
AI tools like Copilot are enabling personalized learning, greater independence, and improved accessibility for students with special educational needs
Acer UK has deployed its TravelMate laptops, equipped with Intel Core Ultra processors, at Millgate School, a specialist institution supporting students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The initiative forms part of a pilot project exploring the use of AI to improve personalized learning, assistive technology, and classroom efficiency.
The rollout includes Microsoft Copilot and AI Reading Coach, with teachers using these tools to create learning materials and streamline lesson planning. Students have also used AI for comprehension exercises, such as generating visuals to support literacy development.
Mr. Abrahim, assistant headteacher at Millgate School, says: “The Acer TravelMate laptops, with Intel Core Ultra processors, help drive progress from our students with on-device capabilities such as Copilot made available. Children can use generative AI to seamlessly construct images they want for their coursework or even as simple as generating a cat driving a car to help in reading comprehension.”
Personalization and device performance
The Acer TravelMate P2 and P4 models are designed for reliability and use in classroom environments. According to Acer, their performance and battery life allow educators to manage lessons efficiently while supporting students across varied learning needs.
Tom Tolton, a classroom teacher, says: “The Acer laptops have been brilliant, especially for really differentiating learning for the students that we’ve got.”
The laptops are also being used to support accessibility and collaborative learning, with seamless integration into school networks and platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Minecraft Education.
Student feedback on AI integration
Students have responded positively to the new devices. One student highlighted both speed and utility, noting that “it runs really fast and it has loads of storage and the CPU runs fast. We have this game called Minecraft Education, and it’s really good because we can learn to build.”
The collaboration between Acer, Intel, and Millgate School reflects a broader shift in applying AI to support inclusive education. The project aims to demonstrate how tailored hardware and software can support independent learning for students with SEND while enhancing teaching effectiveness.
