School fund? How common is this?

shy-but-need-help

Ok, we're venturing into new territory here, our oldest has been homeschooled and has decided to go back to school for high school in September. She's all set up and ready to go and today we've had some letters through which talk about £30 to the school fund.

I've never had a child in high school before, only primary school and none of those ever expected school fund payments and so it made me wonder how common it is? (Not disputing paying into it, my sister is a teacher and I know how much funding is often lacking for replacement resources, but just made me wonder)

Do you have to pay school fund and if so what type of school is that for?

Tropez

When I was in high school the school essentially demanded a £10 per year payment from each pupil's parents. I suppose with inflation it could well be £25-£30 per year now.

Mine was a Church of England Aided school

shy-but-need-help

Tropez that does make sense- it's a Catholic school she's headed to.

msb5262

Hello OP,
It is very common - my children's schools all asked for this. Two are non-church grammar schools, the third is a non-church comprehensive.
You don't have to pay it at all, but if you intend to go this route I'd suggest writing a short note to the school explaining your position (maybe financial hardship, maybe believing it to be wrong to have to pay) and send it with your child in an envelope marked 'school fund'. That way your child can hand it in without getting any earache.
I know several people who have refused to pay on principle and they have simply explained this to the school. End of.
HTH
MsB

sueeve

When I was in school 50 years ago we were asked for something a year in a state school. I can't remember what. But in the Comprehensive I taught in until I retired there was a similar thing. It was used for extras that didn't come from education budgets, things like seats on the playing field, pictures, support for school productions - just things to make life a bit nicer, and or fun.
Of course with the huge budget cuts - the school at which I am a governor is down over £200,000 next year. So in that case I suppose it could be used for anything.
Church schools have to find extra money for things the state don't pay. I remember broken windows being one item. So a fund is needed for that. It's anything outside the building, not the building itself. So if a ball comes from outside in the school pays, inside to out the authority pays. I kid you not!!

DeeDee74

My 2 are both in high school they we payed it but it was £2 so a big diffence to £30.
hth x

rachbc

Nope - state comp never been asked.

busiscoming2

I had a child go through High school and two through Grammar school, both asked for £15 annually for school fund. When I could afford it I paid, otherwise I didn't.

It wasn't compulsory.

peachyprice

We pay into the school fund at my boys high school, £50 per year per family.

They say it goes towards better supplies of things like fabric, store cupboard ingredients, wood, metal etc etc.

jackomdj

I know of some schools that do this rather than having lots of little fundraisers

shy-but-need-help

Thanks for all the replies- it does sound like it's starting to be more the norm than it used to be then.

I have to say they make absolutely no mention at all in the letter that it's optional, just that it can be broken down into installments if you prefer. I do worry about people who don't realise it is volantary.

Hopefully it means they'll be better supplied and more opportunities for DD whilst she's there, I know they do alot of community outings, trips and so on.