Frequently Asked Questions

Unfortunately, students can only use school-provided Chromebooks in school, therefore, the use of another device brought in from home is not allowed.

The device programme has been set up specifically as a complete package including the device, case, warranty and accidental damage proection, software licence and support.

You are not just buying a device but a fully managed service which includes a 3 year manufacturer's warranty, alongside accidental damage cover, and is also aided by the Coombe IT Services Team, who are on hand to deal with any faults or issues with your child's device. This isn’t possible with the wide array of other devices that students may opt to bring in.

In the same way that we have a school uniform, ensuring that everyone at school wears the same clothes regardless of economic background, we are requiring every student to use the same device so that it does not matter if the student has been given a school Chromebook free of charge due to being eligible for free school meals or the parents are able enough to buy the top-of-the-range Chromebook, therefore devices that are used in lessons will not differentiate.

The teachers need to know exactly what the students have in front of them and what capabilities the devices have. It would be disruptive for the lessons if students were not able to complete tasks because they had a different device with different capabilities. 

Devices used on the school network must be managed and supported by the Coombe IT Services Team for safety and security reasons and therefore must be acquired through the school programme.

Other devices cannot be used in school.

Yes, the school curriculum relies on every pupil having access to a Chromebook.

It is essential that every student has the same device to access the learning materials, in the same way that every student has the same uniform or equipment in their pencil case, to ensure that the learning experience is consistent and the same for all.

Please see answers below if you are unable to afford to purchase the Chromebook.

Your child's Chromebooks is supported by the Coombe IT Services Team who are on hand to fix any problems that may arise. Students can come to the IT department with any fault and they will be able to help with the repair or arrange warranty claims.

If the device is damaged, the parent will need to complete a damage report form. The device will then be assessed by the Coombe IT Services Team to determine what can be done to repair the device.

Any repairs will be chargeable and parents will be asked to cover the cost, unless covered by and within the terms and conditions of the Accidental Damage Protection/Cover that is included with devices for students starting Coombe in/from September 2025.

A robust clip-on case is included within the Chromebook package to protect against scratches and minor damage, they are rugged and durable to withstand the rigors of school life.

Your child's Chromebook MUST be kept in its case at all times.

For those students with a clip-on shell, we specifically selected a case that must remain attached during use to maximise protection, so there is never a reason to remove it.

Removal of the protective case may void any potential accidental damage claim, should the need arise.

Please DO NOT attempt to remove the protective casing, as this may cause damage to the screen. Your child must visit the IT Support Office in school for any help with all Chromebook-related issues.

The students will receive their Chromebooks during the first couple of weeks in September, so long an order has been received for their device.

You will need to ensure that we have received your firstly monthly payment before your child receives their device in September, and that you continue to complete the monthly payments available to you on Arbor.

Unfortunately, without the above payments being met, we will not be able to issue your child their Chromebook.

Chromebooks are not desirable devices for thieves, unlike smartphones or expensive tablets. We have never had a case of theft in the 8 years that we have been running our 1:1 Chromebook Programme for, and very few losses.

While we have never had a device stolen, if it is lost or taken, we are able to remotely lock it so that it cannot be used. As our Chromebooks are 'enrolled' onto our domain, they also cannot be used by another non-Coombe Google Workspace account.

It is the responsibility of your child to keep their Chromebook safe. This includes not leaving in unattended or out of sight, and storing it in a bag when walking or on public transport.

We are unable to insure against loss, however you may wish to decide to do this privately. If anything does happen, please inform the Coombe IT Services Team immediately so that we can support in locking/disabling the Chromebook.

It may be helpful for you to kept a record of your child's Chromebook's serial number if you should ever need to report it lost or stolen, but the Coombe IT Services Team also have a record of these.

To keep your device safe in school, all Year 7 students will have a locker to store it and the case protects the device from bumps and drops. Your child should have a suitable rucksack, ideally with a separate laptop compartment.

We also recommend that your child also stores their Chromebook in their locker or secure space at break or lunchtimes, and it is not left unattended.

If you anticipate difficulties in meeting the cost of the device, please contact the school to discuss options.

If your child is currently in receipt of free school meals the school will make a device available free-of-charge. Again, please contact the school if this applies to you.

There are no credit checks and this will not affect your credit rating.

This technology is being used to enhance established teaching and learning methods, not replace them. Lessons and homework will involve a mix of computer-based work and written work in exercise books.

Please see the Use in School page to understand how Chromebooks compliment text and exercise books and other learning techniques.

You will need to return the device; the school owns the device until the final payment is made.

If your financial situation changes, please contact the school to discuss options.

One for each student joining the school in Year 7.

If you have students in other year groups, please do not order devices for them. We do not have enough Chromebooks for students outside of the designated year groups.

Please contact the school or email us on chromebooks@coombe.org.uk. If all payments have been made, we will remove the management profile, unlocking the Chromebook to be used with any Google account.

If there are outstanding payments, you will need to pay the remaining balance first, before we are able to remove any controls from the device.

Yes, students will need to use their Chromebooks to access Google Classroom and other applications to complete homework and independent study.

The Chromebooks have safeguarding monitoring software installed which prevents access to inappropriate material even when not connected to the school network.

If you should have any further queries regarding our Chromebook Scheme, you are welcome to contact the Coombe IT Services Team.

Please email chromebooks@coombe.org.uk, where our Chromebook Programme Coordinator will respond back to you.

Once all payments are made, the device is yours to keep.

The Chromebook will remain managed by us while your son/daughter is at Coombe to safeguard your child online.