New Joiners

Year 7 pupils joining in September

Updated for 2025

We believe our needs are best served through the Chromebook ASUS CR1100 model. This is a decision we have reached after considerable experience of using Chromebooks in school and in close consultation with our specialist IT provider, Eduthing. 

The Chromebooks must be purchased directly from us, and not from another source, since all devices are configured to be fully managed by TKA for your child’s safety and security. The school does not profit at all from this scheme but needs to maintain management of the pupil devices accessing our network and systems. 

Cost to Parents / Carers 

The cost for 2025 for new Year 7 pupils entering the school at the start of term in September is £338; it is less than the "in year" cost, as we receive a significant discount for bulk purchasing, which we pass on to parents/carers. The TKA Chromebook Scheme includes more than just the Chromebook hardware. Included is the device itself, the Google Chrome management licence, enrolment and set up of the device, and 5 years licence for an online firewall safety software, Go Guardian. We also provide a hard case to protect the device and support from our on-site technicians (subject to fair use). 

This scheme does not include a full repairs arrangement. Parents/carers will be required to cover the cost of replacement parts, Eduthing will provide the labour as part of their contract with TKA. 

Payment 

We are mindful of the impact and challenges of the current economic conditions and the personal circumstances of our community, and we wish to work with parents/carers on a payment scheme. Further details will be posted here. The Chromebooks will be distributed in the first week of the autumn term. Payment in full or an agreement must be in place before the Chromebook will be issued. Login details for the payment provider, ParentPay, will be emailed directly to parents/carers new to the school (to the email address that we hold on record).

We would be most grateful that those parents/carers who are able to pay the full amount of £338, please do so as soon as they are able. For those unable to, we are offering the opportunity for 3 payments: 

• 1st instalment £112 by 1st July 2025

• 2nd  instalment £112 by 1st August 2025

• 3rd instalment £114 by 1st September 2025

Special provision is made for those pupils in receipt of Free School Meals (FSM) and the Pupil Premium Grant. If your child is in receipt of the FSM or PPG the device will be subsidised, please contact Pupil Services, office@thekingstonacademy.org to discuss this further. 

Pupils joining at other times in the school year

In-year joiners will also need a Chromebook for their studies. The model (Asus CR1100) is the standard for all year groups. However, the cost will be higher than for September joiners, as we carry a limited stock of devices during the school year. We are not able to take advantage of the savings that we get from bulk purchasing for a whole year group.

Contacts 

For finance related issues please contact the Finance Department at: finance@thekingstonacademy.org or on 0208 456 6200. 

Here is the letter with full details.