State Sixth Form Charges

[dutysuite]

My eldest son is due to start A Levels at a state sixth form and we’ve had a letter and enrolment form (with a check box to tick if we’ve paid both) requesting a compulsory non refundable admin and common room subscription of £200 per year payable each year (Non- refundable). It states the payment should be made at the beginning of September to enable them to collect our payment for the start of the academic year. Is this the norm for state school sixth form, and why would a subscription be needed for a common room?

Is this the norm for state school sixth form,

No.

Not normal, though we’ve had to shell out loads on (secondhand) textbooks.

It sounds like college fees for collegiate universities.

we’ve only been asked for text book money (which shocked ds enough)

Not normal. We were asked for locker deposit and book deposit but will get both of these back. Eventually (DS's turned up in March).

Sounds like school may be struggling financially!

We didn’t have this for DDs 6 th form college

Not normal, and I'm pretty sure if it's a state school, they can't actually make it compulsory.

I'd query what the payment actually covers?

Not normal! Do they get free beverages or something like that? I’ve seen fundraisers for sixth form common room sofas etc but usually voluntary.

Tell them politely to whistle for it.

What happens if you don't pay, and what help is there if you can't pay?

This is not something I have heard of before.

What are you getting for the money ?

Never heard of that before and not sure it’s even legal. I’d contact your MP.