Charges

Charges

In conformity with the requirements of the Education Reform Order (NI) 1989, it is the policy of the Board of Governors:
1 to levy a capital charge for the purpose of meeting expenditure on the provision or alteration of School premises; or for equipment provided in connection with the provision or alteration of School premises;
2 to levy, except where pupils are entitled to statutory remission, a charge for all board and lodging on residential visits;
3 to levy a charge for activities wholly or mainly outside school hours which are not part of the Northern Ireland Curriculum, statutory religious education, or in preparation for a prescribed public examination.
4 to levy no charge for examination entries, except where:
(a) the School has not prepared pupils for the examination in the year for which entry is made, or
(b) a pupil has failed, for no good reason, to complete the requirements for examination or to attend for it, or
(c) a pupil is resitting an examination previously paid for by the School.
5 to levy no charge in respect of books, materials, equipment, instruments or incidental transport provided in connection with the Northern Ireland Curriculum, statutory religious education, or in preparation for prescribed public examinations or courses taught at the School, except where parents have indicated in advance their wish to purchase the product;
6 to request voluntary contributions from parents for the enhancement of School facilities, and for school activities in or out of school time for which compulsory charges cannot be levied but which can only be provided if there is sufficient voluntary funding, whilst ensuring that no pupil is excluded from such activity by reason of inability or unwillingness to make a voluntary contribution;
7 to seek payment from parents for damage to or loss of school property caused wilfully or negligently by their children;
8 to leave to the Principal’s decision the proportion of costs of an activity which should be charged to public or non-public funds;
9 to delegate to the Chairman and the Principal the determination of any individual case arising from the implementation of this policy.

Note: the word ’charge’ is used throughout to denote a compulsory payment which may legally be required. All other payments are ’voluntary contributions’. The law does not put a limit on the amount of voluntary contribution which parents or others may make for the benefit of the School or for school activities; nor does it place any restriction upon the purpose for which such contributions can be sought. Boards of Governors are free to establish their own practices on this matter and may, of course, undertake other general fund-raising activities for the benefit of the School and the education of its pupils.

The "Capital Fee" is currently £80 per annum. The Governors also request a payment of £150 per annum to be used for whole school activities, resources and premises as necessary. This is known as a payment to the "Contingency Fund".

At the beginning of a pupil’s first term in Strathearn she will be issued with a complete stationery pack, the cost of which has, in the past, been approximately £17. This will be charged separately from the main fee invoice at the end of the first term. Stationery is available for purchase by pupils at cost price throughout the academic year.

Invoices are issued at the start of each term and an option is available to pay by Direct Debit on a monthly basis.