We are introducing a 1:1 device programme for students joining us in Year 7 in September 2026. This means we are asking parents/carers to equip their child with a Chromebook. At Beaumont, we believe in a broad, balanced, and rigorous curriculum that prepares students for future opportunities while delivering the highest quality of education. Technology is a valuable tool in education, but it is not a substitute for expert teaching or traditional learning methods. Every student having access to a Chromebook will allow us to build on the high quality provision we provide for our students, and help them develop the digital skills they will require to thrive now and in the future. This includes the national proposals to introduce digital examinations from 2030. We see this as an exciting step that carefully aligns with our philosophy of using technology only where it adds clear value to learning.Chromebooks
Introducing Beaumont’s 1:1 Device Programme (for students joining Year 7 in September 2026)
What?
We are introducing a 1:1 device programme for Year 7 students, where all students will have access to a Chromebook for use at school and at home to support their learning and study.
Why?
Our programme is designed to ensure students have access to a device to support their learning, and in order to develop essential digital skills and future-proof student learning.
How?
We are pleased to have partnered with Freedom Tech. This service provides a high-quality, education-focused device, with warranty, repair cover, and flexible payment options.
Further information has been sent home to parents/carers in March 2026. You can access this information below.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Beaumont introducing a 1:1 device programme now?
We are introducing this programme to ensure that all students have equal and consistent access to technology that supports learning both in school and at home. As education continues to evolve, digital skills are becoming increasingly important—not only for everyday learning, but also for students’ future education and employment opportunities. This includes national developments such as proposals to introduce digital examinations from 2030. Clearly, not addressing this now could put our students at a significant disadvantage when sitting their GCSEs.
By providing every student with access to a Chromebook, we can enhance the quality of teaching and learning in a structured and consistent way. In particular, it enables more effective use of retrieval practice and low-stakes quizzing, access to high-quality digital resources, and opportunities for immediate feedback that can support students making progress over time. It also will allow us to explore ways of better supporting students with additional needs, including SEND, through the use of accessibility tools and adaptive technologies.
In addition, students will develop the digital skills required to work effectively and responsibly in an increasingly online world. Teachers will continue to use technology selectively and purposefully, alongside traditional methods, ensuring it is only used where it adds clear value to learning.
Will students be using the Chromebook all the time?
No. The Chromebook will be used purposefully and selectively, not continuously throughout the school day. Teachers will make professional decisions about when technology adds value to learning and when other approaches are more appropriate. We anticipate that typical best practice would see devices used for specific parts of lessons only, where there is an identified need. For example, this may be a starter activity to support retrieval practice and recap prior learning, or a plenary activity to check understanding, gather responses, or provide immediate feedback. It may also be used at other points in a lesson where access to digital resources, structured practice, or independent work on a device adds clear value to learning.
We remain fully committed to the importance of traditional learning methods. This includes extended writing by hand, reading from physical texts, class discussion, and teacher-led explanation. These approaches are essential for developing key skills such as written communication, focus, and deep understanding, and they will continue to form a central part of our lessons. We are also mindful of the importance of managing screen time appropriately.
The use of devices will be balanced carefully across subjects, ensuring that students are not spending prolonged periods on screens. Our approach is to use technology where it enhances learning—for example, to support retrieval practice, provide access to high-quality resources, or enable effective feedback—while maintaining a broad and balanced learning experience.
Why has the school selected Chromebooks?
Chromebooks have been selected as they are reliable, secure, and well-suited to an educational environment. The specific device we have chosen is designed with durability in mind, featuring a robust build and protective casing to withstand the demands of daily school use. We expect the device to last throughout a student’s time at the school, from Year 7 through to Year 11, supporting both in-school learning and independent study at home.
The device also features a touchscreen and can be used in a range of modes, offering flexibility in how students engage with their learning—for example, as a traditional laptop for typing, or in tablet-style mode for reading, annotation, and interactive tasks.
Chromebooks integrate effectively with the digital platforms we use in school. Through tools such as Google Classroom, staff can share resources, set work, monitor progress, and provide feedback in a consistent and efficient way. In addition, using tools such as Class Tools, teachers are able to manage devices during lessons, guide student activity, and help reduce distractions, ensuring students remain focused and on task.
Overall, the Chromebook supports a consistent, structured, and manageable approach to using technology in the classroom, while still allowing it to be used purposefully where it adds value to learning.
How do I place an order?
Orders are placed through the online ordering portal. To get started, you will need to select ‘sign up’ and register your details by entering your email address and surname, then creating a password for your account. Please note that you must use the same email address that was provided on your original application form, as access will not be granted to any other email address.
Once registered and logged in, the process is straightforward. There is a single recommended Chromebook available, along with four different payment options, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your circumstances.
The deadline for placing orders is Friday 12th July. We recommend completing your order in good time to ensure devices are ready for the start of the academic year.
Can my child use the Chromebook at home?
Yes. The device is intended for use both in school and at home, supporting homework, revision, and independent learning.
Students should expect to complete some of their home learning online. For example, we utilise platforms such as Sparx Maths, Sparx Reader and Carousel Learning.
How will the school keep students safe online?
Student safety is a key priority, and our Chromebook programme is supported by established safeguarding systems and procedures already in place within the school.
Devices can be used both in school and at home. All student devices are managed through school systems, and students will primarily use their school accounts to access them. During the school day, access is structured and managed to support focus and appropriate use for learning. By default, students are restricted to their school account at all times; however, at the request of parents/carers, access can be enabled to allow students to log in with a personal (non-school) account outside of school hours.
Internet access within school is filtered through RM SafetyNet, which helps to block inappropriate or harmful content while students are on site. In addition, device usage is monitored through Classroom.cloud, allowing staff to guide students’ use and respond where there are any concerns.
Work created using school accounts (such as files in Google Drive or school email) is stored within the school’s systems. This means the school may access this information where necessary for safeguarding, monitoring, or investigation purposes, in line with our policies.
Alongside these technical measures, students receive ongoing education in online safety through our PSHE and pastoral curriculum. This supports them in understanding how to use technology responsibly, recognise potential risks, and make informed choices.
Can my child use an existing device instead or purchase one outside of the scheme?
Parents/carers are able to purchase or utilise a Chromebook independently rather than through the school scheme. However, we strongly recommend using the Freedom Tech package, as this ensures a high quality, education-focussed device that is fully configured for school use, includes warranty and accidental damage cover, and provides a consistent and reliable experience for both students and staff. For example, the managed service includes the provision of a loan device if a student’s device requires repair or replacement.
If you choose to purchase a device outside of the scheme, we require that it meets the following specification to ensure consistency across the school and to support all students in accessing learning in the same way:
The device must:
- Be an official Chromebook
- Be laptop style, with a fixed keyboard and trackpad
- Have a touchscreen (with an included stylus or a stylus bought separately)
- Have at least an 11” screen size
- Have at least 4GB RAM
- Have at least 64GB storage
The device may:
- Be ruggedised or strengthened to withstand daily school use
- Exceed any of the above requirements in terms of specification or size
Choosing a device that meets these requirements will ensure your child can fully engage with our curriculum and avoid any compatibility or access issues.
Important: To benefit from the important safeguarding provisions offered by our Google Licencing and Classroom.cloud, families will need to pay a one-off fee of £48 to the school. This cost will cover the Chromebook for its duration of use at the school (it cannot be transferred to another device unless replaced under warranty).
If you wish to purchase or utilise a Chromebook independently rather than through the school scheme, please contact the Finance Department at finance@beaumont.school.
Non-Chromebook devices and smart phones/tablets are not permitted to be used in school.
What support is available if I cannot afford the device?
We are committed to ensuring no student is disadvantaged and that support is provided where it is required.
- Families eligible for Free School Meals (current or within the last 6 years) can access support through Pupil Premium funding. Please contact the Finance Department via email for further information. They can be contacted at: finance@beaumont.school
- If you are not eligible but anticipate financial difficulty, please contact the school to discuss support options. Our Finance Department are also able to provide guidance and assistance. They can be contacted at: finance@beaumont.school
