Parents and Carers Guide to the Charging and Remissions
Our Approach
We want all students to benefit from a wide range of learning opportunities, trips and activities. We aim to keep charges to a minimum and ensure that financial circumstances do not prevent students from taking part in educational opportunities.
What the School Cannot Charge For
The school cannot charge for:
- Teaching and education provided during the normal school day.
- Materials, books and equipment needed for lessons during school hours.
- Activities that form part of the National Curriculum.
- Public examinations for which students have been prepared by the school.
- Religious education provided as part of the curriculum.
Voluntary Contributions
From time to time, we may ask parents and carers to make a voluntary contribution towards the cost of a trip, visit or enrichment activity.
Making a contribution is entirely voluntary, and no student will be treated differently if their family chooses not to contribute. However, if insufficient contributions are received, the activity may need to be cancelled.
School Trips and Visits
Curriculum Trips
Where a trip takes place mainly during the school day and supports the curriculum, parents may be invited to make a voluntary contribution towards costs.
Optional Trips and Activities
For activities that take place mainly outside normal school hours and are not part of the curriculum, the full cost may be charged. Participation in these activities is optional and subject to parental agreement.
Residential Visits
Charges may be made for board and lodging on residential visits. Families eligible for Targeted Free School Meals may be entitled to support with these costs.
Financial Support
We are committed to ensuring that students can access educational experiences regardless of financial circumstances.
Families who are eligible for Targeted Free School Meals may be able to receive assistance with certain charges and residential visit costs. Parents and carers are encouraged to contact the school in confidence if financial support is required.
Music Tuition
Charges may be made for individual or small-group instrumental or vocal lessons that are requested by parents or carers.
Where musical instruments are loaned by the school, a hire charge may apply. Parents may be responsible for the cost of repair or replacement if an instrument is lost, stolen or damaged while on loan.
Public Examinations
There is normally no charge for public examinations that students have been prepared for by the school.
Charges may apply in certain circumstances, such as:
- Late withdrawal from examinations.
- Failure to attend an examination without good reason.
- Examinations that are not part of the school's normal curriculum offer.
- Examination re-sits where preparation is not provided by the school.
School Equipment and Resources
Students are provided with the materials and resources needed for their education.
However, the school may charge for:
- Lost or damaged textbooks.
- Lost or damaged IT equipment.
- Optional materials or products that a student wishes to keep, such as certain practical subject projects.
Damage to School Property
Where school property or equipment is deliberately damaged, lost through negligence, or requires repair as a result of misuse, the school may seek to recover the cost of repair or replacement.
Payments for Trips and Activities
Payments are made online.
Where an activity has limited places, allocation may be made on a first-come, first-served basis. Information about payment deadlines, deposits and refund arrangements will be provided before bookings are confirmed.
Questions?
If you would like further information about any charge, contribution, trip payment or financial support available, please contact the school. We are always happy to discuss individual circumstances and help families access opportunities wherever possible.
