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Original poster

Private school has put DD's fees up by 29% - I am right to think this is obscene?

44 replies

helenelisabeth · 27/05/2008 15:56

I am livid, in fact I am on the verge of taking her out of the school.

The fees will go up in September, they have not given any reasons to why they have risen so much, no new techology or sports hall etc.

OP posts:
expatinscotland · 27/05/2008 15:58

that's a lot of money to increase it by in one year.

LIZS · 27/05/2008 16:01

I assume that is like for like though (ie. no increase for moving up the school ?)Ours was 8% and when I did a mn survey that seemed toppy.

EffiePerine · 27/05/2008 16:01

take her out and spend the money on something useful

If you're happy with the school, fine, but a big increase with no explanation would make me think they were taking the piss.

Hulababy · 27/05/2008 16:02

That is a very high increase. We were told to be prepared for up to 10% increases, but not that amount!

I would write to the Head and ask why the fees increase is so high, and explin your displeasure and the fact that you are considerig elsewhere.

Last year we had about an 8 or 9% rise, but that included the rise in moving from PP1 to PP1 as well, so in reality it was less.

This year we have had no fee increase. However, the school has decided to start charging for after school care - first half hour (till 4pm) free, then £3 a session till 5:30.

Cammelia · 27/05/2008 16:05

I wonder if its to cover the bursaries that private schools who are registered charities have to increase due to the Charities Commission Act 2006 which has recently come into force?

Our school is , I think, putting up the fees by a "normal " amount but has also set up an appeal to parents (and ex-parents/pupils etc) to fund a Foundation to cover future bursaries.

GreenElizabeth · 27/05/2008 16:07

29% is ridiculous. If you could even get ten parents to threaten to take out their child, it would frighten the school.

Earlybird · 27/05/2008 16:11

Something must have changed very dramatically at the school.

What are other parents saying? I would think the school will have a revolt on their hands - especially as it is now too late to do anything else for next year.

edam · 27/05/2008 16:12

Blimey, did your dd burn down the school or something? Assuming not, then I think you should be asking the head for an explanation.

ScienceTeacher · 27/05/2008 16:27

Our fee increases have always come with the Chair of the Governors' annual reports, and has always come with an explanation (eg due to teachers' pay award). These have been in the region of 5-8%.

A 29% increase, I would expect them to have a meeting.

Is your DD moving into a new section of the school, by any chance? It is typical, especially in Prep schools, to have higher fees as they move up the school.

Original poster
helenelisabeth · 27/05/2008 16:30

I am going to check a couple of the local state schools out next week, see if they have any places for September.

Bar the fact that there are small class sizes (15 in DD's), I cannot see what else they are spending the money on.

Someone isn't daft in that school - oh lets put a small note regarding the increase of fees into the weekly bulletin at half term, most people won't notice as they are off on their jollies. Greedy bastards.

Will get my dad (ex-headmaster) to compose a letter this week and will drop it into the Head on Monday.

We are not in the financial position atm to be spending ANY extra money and this will tip us over the edge (what with extra fuel/food price etc). Would anyone feel quilty for removing their DC? She is a very confident girl, should settle in quite easily to a new school but her happiness is what is important and I don't want to unsettle her unless I really have to.

OP posts:
Hulababy · 27/05/2008 16:31

Don't forget that it is probably now too late to hand in notice for this coming September. Most school contracts say you need to give a term's notice or be liable for the following term's fees.

ScienceTeacher · 27/05/2008 16:32

How much are the fees, helen?

Hulababy · 27/05/2008 16:33

What year is your DD in?
What year is she moving to?
How long has she been there?

Up to 10% to be expected. Anything above that you do need to query as to why. You ill probably find you are not the only one doing so.

Original poster
helenelisabeth · 27/05/2008 16:34

Her fees will go from £353 per month (reception) to £470 per month (Year 1) so that is more than 29%. The reception fees are going up to £450. The increase of 29% is taken from like to like (i.e. the reception class fees).

OP posts:
seeker · 27/05/2008 16:35

Am I being unreasonable to thing that private schools are commercial organizations and if you put your children's education in the hands of a business this is the sort of thing you should expect?

Original poster
helenelisabeth · 27/05/2008 16:36

Can't remember what the termly fees are as I pay standing order Scienceteacher. Think it is around £1850 per term for a 5 year old.

She is going into Year 1 in September Hulababy. She has been there since last September.

OP posts:
Original poster
helenelisabeth · 27/05/2008 16:36

Can't remember what the termly fees are as I pay standing order Scienceteacher. Think it is around £1850 per term for a 5 year old.

She is going into Year 1 in September Hulababy. She has been there since last September.

OP posts:
ScienceTeacher · 27/05/2008 16:36

Do you pay over 10 months or 12 months?

Hulababy · 27/05/2008 16:36

No seeker, you are right - parents should expect fee rises. But this rise of 29% is far in excess of a normal fee increase, even for private schools. Up to 10% is the norm.

roquefort · 27/05/2008 16:36

That is a ridiculous increase unless she is moving into a more senior section of the school and the increase includes that. They should also be giving at least a term's notice I would have thought. Have you spoken to other parents - you won't be the only ones up in arms - collective action may be appropriate.

ScienceTeacher · 27/05/2008 16:37

cross posts!

It does sound quite cheap.

Still, there should be an explanation.

Hulababy · 27/05/2008 16:37

Are the fees average for the area? Or were they below average - so are catching up with the rest so to speak.

That would be quite a lot cheaper than the school fees locally.

GooseyLoosey · 27/05/2008 16:38

That is a lot - presumably lots of parents will be upset. Could you get together with some and talk about it?

OrmIrian · 27/05/2008 16:38

I tend to agree seeker. However I think the OP is entitled to ask for an explanation for such a huge increase. I'm sure there will be more than one parents in difficulties over it.

LIZS · 27/05/2008 16:39

Perhaps it is to bring fees in line with others locally . Still less than 2k a term if I 've worked it out correctly, which is cheap by SE standards. Also did the Reception fees take into account the LEA nursery vocuhers for which perhaps the school may now not be eligible or are offsetting in a different way ? We get our letter at Easter to give us the option of withdrawing at a term's notice for September , later seems sneaky .