Independent School withdrawal penalties

[Alfiebean]

I am about to enter into a dispute with an independent school that is claiming I owe a term's fees because I declined a place for my child with insufficient notice. It's not that straightforward though and I'm looking for advice from anyone in a genuinely able to give it please.

What exactly does your contract say? I'm not sure about what happens if your child hasn't started at school yet, but certainly the usual terms are that a full school term's notice must be given.

So if your child starts in September and you decide to withdraw them at the end of Sept, you are liable to pay until Christmas PLUS a full term's notice in addition, so are only free to stop paying at Easter.

Read your contract carefully and if you're still not sure, re-post.

A terms notice must usually be given before the previous term starts, so if your child is due to start in September notice must be given before the start of the summer term, so April. It does depend on your contract though, but this is standard practice. It's to cover the school in case they can't fill the place.