It’s not every day you see real innovation in the world of education tech, but Olive for Education has just launched something that could genuinely change the game for Irish students and at the perfect time.
With Senior Cycle Reform just around the corner and digital fluency now more essential than ever, Learning Wallet arrives like that student who somehow always has their homework done and manages to make it look easy. And if the name rings a bell, it should—Ian Gaughran, CEO of Olive for Education, was just on the Goosed.ie Podcast talking about how they’re reshaping the Irish classroom, one device at a time.
So… What is the Learning Wallet?
Think of it as a full-blown EdTech starter pack, a laptop, built-in security, digital learning tools, and full support…all for as little as €16.99 per month.
It’s been purpose-built for junior and leaving cert students, designed to help schools transition to the much-needed 1:1 student device model. That’s right, no more scrambling to find a working computer in the school library to type up a project the night before it’s due.
With 40% of grades in the new Senior Cycle coming from continuous assessments, we’re not just talking about typing a few essays here and there. Students need reliable, personal access to devices not just for learning, but to actually get their grades.
A Real-World Solution for Real-World Problems
Let’s be real: a decent education-ready laptop in Ireland will usually run you between €600 and €700. With limited state funding available, a lot of families are either footing the bill themselves or relying on school raffles and bake sales to bridge the gap.
Olive for Education’s Learning Wallet levels the playing field. The subscription model doesn’t just make the tech affordable—it includes tailored software, data protection, remote support, and (most importantly) peace of mind for both parents and teachers.
As Ian said in the launch announcement:
“No student should be left behind simply because of cost or access. With the Learning Wallet, we’ve built a complete solution with equity in mind.”
A National Push Meets a Local Solution
This launch ties directly into the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027, which aims to boost digital literacy in every classroom in the country. But policy alone can’t modernise education schools need scalable solutions, and that’s exactly what Learning Wallet offers.
Already supporting over 10,000 students across 50 schools, Olive for Education is proving that this isn’t just a shiny pilot project. It’s the real deal. And it’s backed by over 40 years of combined experience in education and EdTech.
Why This Matters
As someone who’s spent way too long reviewing phones, laptops and wearables for everyday consumers, I can tell you one thing: tech only works when it works for people. The Learning Wallet isn’t just a clever bundle it’s a practical, scalable answer to one of education’s most pressing challenges.
So whether you’re a teacher trying to avoid another IT nightmare, a parent sweating over back-to-school costs, or a student who just wants their own device without borrowing their sibling’s Chromebook this is worth checking out.
