Given the personal nature of the iPad, I really see one-to-one deployments being the ideal model for senior pupils (indeed, most pupils, but it might not be affordable across the whole school).

I think policy issues will play a big part in making this manageable.

WEll if you are referring to internet tethering in classrooms where WiFi is not available, tethering would be amazing but also a minor distraction. Note-taking and e-textbooks would both be available offline, and in the case where a web source would need viewing, the professor usually displays it on a projector, or it is something that you can view later, in which case the student can note it in the notes app with a link and check it out when internet is available.

Also remember that there is an option for 3g. This feature would eliminate the necessity for internet tethering and is a lot cheaper than the monthly tethering cost.

Again, I hope internet tethering is what you were referring to otherwise this whole response was pointless. :)