Does the "schools cannot enforce a charge for compulsory educational trips" rule apply to A level students?

[curlywurlycremeegg]

As the title says really? Can a sixth form college enforce a charge?

[curlywurlycremeegg]

sorry, yes we have had a letter re a compulsory trip for the Biology A level course, the letter states the pupils must be part of the trip as it forms part of their coursework and there is no "voluntary contribution" mentioned, just a demand for £150.

[Mutteroo]

All education should be available to all & not going on a trip should not hold a pupil back. I think that's the blurb. My son's sixth form offer trips but none are compulsory. Only paid items are books which were paid for at the start of term

[prh47bridge]

Schools can charge for board and lodging for any residential visit regardless of whether or not it is compulsory and regardless of the age of the pupils. The charge must not exceed the actual cost and parents in receipt of certain benefits are exempt.

[senua]

Go and talk to someone. If it is a real hardship then there is probably a fund you can call on.

[curlywurlycremeegg]

Thanks everyone, I had no idea about the trip when he was offered his A levelplace, since starting I have found out that there are a few of these compulsory trips for subjects he is taking. Whilst I am aware that schools cannot refuse a place on a compulsory trip if it is needed for the ciriculum, I was wondering if this was still the case at A level as this is not "compulory education" in that he could have left school after GCSE if that is what he had chosen.
prh47bridge, this is a residential trip so maybe there is some element of the trip I must pay for, however the cost also includes the schools insurance, travel, etc which I may be able to challenge. I do not meet the criteria for benefits, however it would cause financial hardship.