Case Study
Empowering students through hands-on edge computing
Connected Classrooms
Abbey Gate College
Scaler Pi partnered with Abbey Gate College, an independent school in Cheshire, to create a practical introduction to edge computing and IoT using Raspberry Pi. The goal was to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world technology by building a low-cost, scalable learning lab that students could expand over time.
The Challenge
STEM subjects at secondary level often lack tangible exposure to real infrastructure and applied computing. Abbey Gate wanted to give pupils a way to:
Experience modern DevOps and IoT in a safe, real environment.
Develop coding and problem-solving skills through active projects.
Encourage participation from students beyond traditional STEM pathways.
Build a repeatable model that could be adopted by other schools or community groups.
Solution
Scaler Pi delivered a self-contained cluster of Raspberry Pi devices configured as a micro edge-computing lab. Students, guided by Scaler Pi mentors, learned to assemble, network, and deploy applications using real-world tools.
The initiative introduced pupils to open-source platforms and modern practices including containerisation, observability, and automation.
Key elements included:
- 3-node Raspberry Pi Kubernetes cluster for edge app demos
- Prometheus + Grafana dashboards for sensor and system data
- Python automation workshops covering hardware interaction
- Secure remote management via Scaler Pi platform
- Classroom network integration for safe multi-user access
Results
The pilot quickly became a core part of the school’s enrichment programme.
Hands-on experience
with coding, networking, and hardware assembly
Permanent tech lab space
created for future learning projects
Cross-curricular engagement
STEM, Geography, Art & Design all involved
Adoptable model
that other schools and community clubs can replicate
Students presented their work back to peers and parents, demonstrating live dashboards and connected devices.
Technical Overview
Scaler Pi handled the full build and onboarding process — from designing the network layout to hardening each Pi for classroom use. All devices were pre-imaged, centrally monitored, and ready for safe experimentation without exposing external networks.
- Hardened, read-only OS images for security and reliability
- Local dashboards with environmental sensors and live metrics
- Modular design allowing the cluster to scale as the programme grows
- Simple web interface for managing student projects
- Remote update capability and telemetry reporting to Scaler Pi
Outcome
The Community Learning Lab introduced real edge computing into the classroom, helping Abbey Gate College inspire the next generation of technologists. Students gained genuine DevOps experience, teachers gained a turnkey platform they can expand independently, and the school established a repeatable model for technology-driven education — powered by Scaler Pi.
See how we can help
Tell us about your deployment and we’ll map the route from prototype to production.
Speak to our team