What extra costs should we budget for with private primary school?

[Keyboardpacifist]

We're just starting to do the initial "can we afford independent school" for primary school and although I know all schools are different, I'm wondering if there were any costs that caught you out? Partially for our affordability calculations but also comparing schools. Some include things that others don't. Our list so far is:

• Fees
• Basic uniform (is everything specialist or no)
• Sports uniform
• Before school care
• After school care
• Music/drama lessons
• Lunch

What have I missed? We're not far enough away from any of the potential schools to use their bus route so no hidden costs there, just petrol.

Personally I’ve always thought the ultimate flex in London is hosting a whole class party at home and showing everyone that you don’t have the bog standard terrace with a postage stamp garden and that you have space for 15-20 kids to sit down to eat AND a garden big enough for a bouncy castle 🤣

We’ve had a few big ticket central London parties and tbh my first reaction is not being impressed, it’s annoyance at the inconvenience of it 😬

Crikey. How is this written on their website, policy and in the school contract. It doesn’t sound like it should be compulsory. If it is, why don’t they absorb it in the fees?! Bizarre.

I got a stationery bill each term. Tuck shop bill. Tbf the snacks were usually healthy. More day trips and as they get older overseas trips which are expensive.

I suspect it's compulsory to use the school device because of digital safety/security to the school, and safeguarding of the child (through content filters and such).

Practically it also means the school IT department can access the device for any problems, swap in a new one etc. Much like most office jobs with laptops.

Sounds like it is part of fees but separated out on the invoice like music lessons would be.