Charging and Remissions policy

Academies may no longer make a direct charge to parents for such things as Academy outings, visits by theatre groups, payment for visiting speakers or for the cost of materials involved in producing a ‘finished product’.

There are some exceptions to this, namely:

• cost of materials involved in producing a ‘finished product’ where the parent or pupil has expressed a wish, in advance, to own the finished product
• individual music tuition which takes place in, or out of, Academy hours and which is not provided as part of the syllabus or to fulfil the requirements of the National Curriculum eg cello or recorder tuition
• board and lodging on all types of residential visits
• special examination fees

Academy outings and visits by outside groups or speakers do contribute to the education of our pupils. Parents will be asked for a voluntary contribution towards the cost of each activity involving their child. If the total amount of voluntary contributions is insufficient to meet the cost of the visit or activity it may be cancelled. No distinction whatsoever will be made between children whose parents make a voluntary contribution and those who do not.

Remission of charges policy

Remission of charges levied by an Academy will normally be granted (except in the case of finished products of practical lessons) where:

1. parents are in receipt of:
   • income support
   • income-based jobseekers allowance
   • support provided under Part Vl of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
   • child tax credit, provided that working tax credit is not also received and the family’s income (as assessed by HMRC) does not exceed £16,190 (financial Year 2019/2020)
   • state pension credit, where the parent is in receipt of the guarantee credit
   • income-related employment and support allowance
   • (and in the case of board and lodging, the activity can be classified as taking place in Academy hours, and if outside Academy hours is provided specifically to fulfil requirements of the national curriculum, religious education or a syllabus of a prescribed public examination), or
2. parents are in receipt of a maintenance grant and/or free transport if the pupil is aged 16+ (and, where board and lodging is concerned, the activities can be classified as taking place in Academy hours), or
3. the Headteacher (county music adviser for individual music tuition) has recommended remission of the charges in individual cases of hardship – however fees for private teachers are not subsidised