Can they insist on their own insurance and warranty?

Aylesbury_Duck

No harm in properly scrutinising the deal as you have, though.  Too many folk just buy stuff without any due diligence.  You've done the right thing to explore options.

SteveJW

The other payment option is a lease over three years. It adds an extra £133.

In a previous life some schools nearby leased computer equipment

At the end of the lease the lessor required the equipment to be returned undamaged and with all the original documentation

Penalties were incurred

cannugec5

I wonder if the insurance also covers damage while the Chromebook is being carried and used by a child on the school premises - hence why the school are keen to have that safety net. 

It would be interesting if that level of cover were available as part of your home insurance, I know my own insurance would not cover it. 

I know some schools have onsite technicians qualified to look after such products when problems occur, but only if the warranty permits it.