To think this is exclusionary?

Do you actually want to go?

You could always go to some PTA meetings, help out, suggest a cheaper mum's night out if you'd like to socialise with them all?

@DoNOTShakeItOff what's your issue? Really it sounds like you want to stop people who want to do a thing from doing a thing because 'sanctimonious reasons'?

Fine. You organise an alternative one at £20 a head. People who choose to pay £60 will go to that. People who can only afford £20 can go to yours.
Although they'll also be people wouldn't afford that, so also organise one for £5, and you better do a free one for those that can't pay anything.

or in the real world, those that can afford the £60 and want to will go. A few of those will have to save up a bit for it, some will just pay it.
and the rest of us will go "I've a better use of £60, hope it goes well and they enjoy it" and not think about it again.

Sounds like great value and a fun night out. Winner!

I actually don’t see what’s wrong with it. They are including everyone with a range of activities.

If you want a near-to-free event, you aren’t going to get much more than a school disco in the sports hall. You now what you don’t want, but you don’t have any idea really what you do want.

I suspect your feelings about becoming disabled are being directed at the people who go to the ball. Those are the feelings you need to address.

Thank goodness for the PTA. Always being moaned about but giving up hours of their time to raise money for ALL the children! Yes, ALL the children. Perhaps give your own time up to organise something that is more affordable. I can guarantee you people will moan about you, won’t support you and you will wonder, as I regularly do, why you bothered.

I can't think of a much worse night out- except a hen night. I just wouldn't go anyway.

It's fundraising that benefits all pupils. They also do cheap events. I wouldn't criticise that.

Why not start a new mid-price event for people too snobby for a disco but for whom £60 is too much?

They don'tdo some sort if 'promises' or 'raffles' or auction while they are at the event?

I think OP if you're on the committee, then it's your job to make them aware that this is unfair on people who don't have that sort of money for a night out. What exactly is the reason for this ball, if it's not to raise money for the school? If you don't know, then make a point of asking. Then in your shoes, I would be asking how they can advertise an event like this as being open to all parents and teachers, when there are some in the school, who are unable to afford a disco, let alone £60 for a night out. Point out, that not everyone is in the lucky position that they are, if they don't know your circumstances and you don't want to advertise it, you could say the same position as we are, which may make you seem more 'one of them' if you get my meaning, hence they're perhaps more likely to listen, than think you're out for a freebie. Maybe you could do some research beforehand, and see if you can come up with some other ideas, at a price that you think to be more affordable, and then you can make some suggestions at the same time as putting your point forward?

OP you sounds a bit sanctimonious to be honest.

A bit 😂

OP, as is usually said on this sort of thread, if you think they’re doing a bad job by all means get stuck in with your better ideas.

If it was for the kids I would take your point but its not. Either go or don't go. I wouldn't even if it was £6 on the basis that it sounds like an awful evening. Who wants to hang out with teachers and the PTA?

There's no injustice, just a massive chip on your shoulder.

Thats very unkind. You have no idea here what people's financial positions are and many people prioritise different things.

£60 works out at just over £1 per week over a year if parents/pupils want to save up for it.

Local Facebook groups are literally giving away prom dresses and shoes etc, after their kids are finished with them.

And NINE courses for £60 is an utter bargain.

For some people 60£ is nothing, for some it is several days of eating. I agree that a state school should not encourage this.

This, I really can't stand the use of 'exclusionary' when it's really a 'wahhh! They're doing something that doesn't centre me, STOP THEM!!!'

OP you sounds a bit sanctimonious to be honest.

You also like telling us that YOU can afford it but you are flexing your superior morals in support of the poor people (which isn’t you, you are on pupil premium by circumstance that is out of your control) then being all bashful about your fights for equality “stupid I know”, whilst basking in the glory of someone fighting the good fight for others.

Maybe put that immense righteous anger towards championing something more worthy than moaning about a school PYA

Most of the parents who can’t afford it or choose not to go likely don’t give a shiny shit what the others get up to.

It makes your story seem incredible. You can't have a ball with a nine course meal at that price. I wouldn't afford it either but I know what things cost.

I would argue that if it isn't a fundraiser in some way, the event isn't really what the PTA should be doing. They could be doing a fundraiser, instead they are apparently planning a ball.

I would also say that if there is a desire for a school social event it should be at a price point that is accessible to the vast majority of families.