Thorpe St Andrew School demands £300 for mandatory laptop

Thorpe St Andrew School has said children joining year seven in September will need to buy a specific Chromebook through the academy, even if they already own one, which it insists will be "integral" to learning. 

The move has angered Michelle Sorrell, whose 11-year-old has just been accepted into the school.

"I can't believe the expense they expect of parents, this was never mentioned on open evenings or in the application," said Michelle.

Thorpe St Andrew School is asking all new students to buy a £309 Chromebook which is integral to learning (Image: Google Maps)

"As a working, disabled, single parent I have no disposable income, let alone for this unexpected cost.

"This is around half of my monthly mortgage cost."

If parents cannot afford the £309 one-off payment, they will have to pay 36 monthly instalments of £11.50, which works out to be £126 more expensive in the long run. 

There is a 75pc discount for those on free school meals or pupil premium funding, reducing the one-off payment to £77, but Michelle, 46, said that is still unaffordable.

"The threshold for free school meals is a salary below £7,400, on which families would be not just in relative poverty, but the deepest levels of poverty," she said.

Michelle Sorrell has been left in disbelief over the unexpected cost (Image: Michelle Sorrell)

"These costs are on top of logoed school uniform, a calculator, maths kit, stationery, food tech supplies and other additional costs. This threatens to put more families in hardship."

Michelle previously paid only £30 a year for her daughter's school laptop, who is now in year 11, which was the institution's former lending model. 

Thorpe St Andrew School is managed by the Broad Horizons Education Trust, which said the mandatory charge comes amid a "volatile school funding climate" but they will not see a penny of profit.

READ MORE: New £5k nature area to bring 'host of benefits' to pupils at city school

A spokesman said: "We have operated a successful Chromebook scheme since 2021 and they undoubtedly contributed to our best GCSE results yet, which was achieved last year.

"To deliver longevity of the scheme, we have sought support from an external company, and we will work with all families on a case-by-case basis, regardless of their circumstances, to provide school support to ensure that all students can access it."

Lee Burgess, who lives in Norwich and is an ambassador for the Digital Poverty Alliance, said the new laptop policy raises "serious concerns". 

Chromebooks have undoubtedly contributed to Thorpe St Andrew School's best GCSE results to date, according to its governing trust (Image: Newsquest)

"It presents a clear financial barrier to many families already struggling amidst a severe cost of living crisis and risks deepening the digital divide, potentially marginalizing students whose families cannot afford the additional financial burden," he said.

"It is concerning that such a significant policy change has been introduced after many pupils have already secured their places at the school.

READ MORE: Rising Canaries stars delight school pupils with surprise kickabout

"This late announcement places families in an untenable position, forcing them to reconsider their educational choices based on financial capability rather than academic opportunity."

Lee Burgess, an ambassador for the Digital Poverty Alliance, said the school's new laptop policy raises serious concerns (Image: Lee Burgess)

Michelle added: "The current year sixes are all settled into knowing where they will attend so parents are unlikely to be able to move schools now. 

READ MORE: Surprise reunion held as city school stalwart retires after 34 years

"Many children are moving in friendship groups so would be devastated to have to leave over cost, so it will have to be paid."

However, a stipulation in the policy may cause the school to withdraw it. If not enough interest is garnered then it would be forced to "reassess", dropping it from the rules. 

At present, a number of other schools in the Broad Horizons Education Trust network do not have the same laptop scheme, prompting Michelle and other aggrieved parents to contact local councillors for support.