SkieCan we turn the browser off for some student groups and allow it for others?
Yes. In Skie the browser can be off, restricted or allowed for each group. Off removes Chrome from the device, restricted allows it under the full Chrome rules and the filter, and allowed is the same enforced setup with fewer expectations. Set it in the group's policy and apply it from the top down.
Younger students rarely need a browser at all. Senior students often do. One setting for the whole school would be wrong for one of them, so Skie lets you decide per group.
Off means the browser is not available to the group. A tablet for a primary class can run a handful of learning apps with no web access. Restricted means Chrome is available with the full set of managed rules, the filtering DNS, and your choice of schedule windows. Allowed also runs under those rules, because the Chrome rules and the filtering DNS are part of how Skie manages any browser use on a device.
Because policies flow down, you can set a school-wide default and then override for one group. The most specific level applies last. The impact preview shows how many devices a change touches before you apply it, and the effective policy view shows what a particular group ended up with.
Schedules add a time dimension. A study window can allow only the learning apps, while a break window allows the browser. A hostel might leave it off in the night window. Windows have days, a start, an end and an allowed app list, and the first matching window wins.
Practical tip: if you are unsure, start restricted for the oldest group, off for the youngest, and collect feedback from teachers in the first fortnight. Changes take seconds to reach online devices.