Introduction

The purpose of this Policy Summary is to define the school’s charges for Lettings, Instrumental Music Tuition, Examination fees and Extra-Curricular Activities.

Compulsory education is free of charge for all students during the normal timetabled day. This includes the educational aspects of all trips and visits. However, contributions towards the cost of some activities may be sought from parents/carers to allow them to proceed. In addition, contributions may be requested for materials for some classes, e.g. technology.

The school will normally provide transport to and from extra-curricular activities free of charge, although on some occasions a voluntary contribution may be requested, since without them many visits would not be able to take place. A charge for subsistence, where applicable, may also be made.

A charge will be made for ingredients and materials used in practical subjects where parents/carers have indicated a wish to own the finished product.

Examination fees

The school will pay for the public examinations for which it prepares students, except in any of the following circumstances:

(i) The student has failed to complete the minimum level of coursework required to achieve a grade
(ii) The student’s attendance is a cause for concern and the school believes s/he is unlikely to attend the examination
(iii) At GCE ‘A’ level, if the teacher is unable to recommend entry on the basis of the student’s inability to achieve a grade
(iv) At GCE ‘A’ level for second or subsequent modular test re-sits.

However, in circumstances (i), (ii) and (iii) parents/carers may be asked to pay the examination fee, as set by the relevant Examination Board. This will be refunded by the school if a grade is achieved.

Extra-Curricular Activities

Parents/Carers will be asked to contribute to the cost of repairing / replacing books, classroom resources and apparatus or equipment damaged by those students for whom they are responsible.

Students who refuse to use the Café May cashless biometric system can instead use a Café May Payment Card for which there is a one-off fee.

The school will also make a charge for the replacement of any lost or damaged card.
Students in the Sixth Form will be charged a one-off Student Union membership fee which will be used to repair/improve equipment and facilities in the students’ common room.

Students in the Sixth Form will also be required to pay a deposit which will be refundable when school property, e.g. text books, is returned in good condition.

A Scale of Charges for Extra Curricular Activities is reviewed annually and published separately.

Instrumental Music Tuition

Individual or group tuition is available outside the curriculum through the local authority’s Music School, for which fees are payable. Voluntary contributions will be requested towards the cost of instrumental tuition which may be undertaken for GCSE Music within the curriculum.

Music Tuition fees are reviewed annually and published in the Charges for Extra Curricular Activities Policy Statement.

Lettings

Some parts of the school buildings, e g. Main Hall, classrooms and the Sports Hall are available for private hire. The charges, which are dependent on the number of rooms hired, duration and time of day etc. are reviewed annually and published separately.