VA Voluntary Aided schools including st georges Harpenden

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What is the 'norm' or whats the unwritten 'expectation' of parents when it comes to these schools?

are parents expected to contribute financially to the school??

do parents write cheques and put it in with the application form, hoping that it will help towards securing their child a place at that school???

What is your experience?

do you know any stories of people buying their way into schools that are VA ??

would be very interested to hear your stories, opinions, and the bottom-line truth please!!

What is your interest in this?

Are you a lazy journalist?

funny replies and so quick!

wots a lazy journalist oddboots?! (smile)

my interest is that i have children in junior school and i am looking at secondary schools. the VA school system is something i dont know much/ enough about, so i was hoping with all those mums and dads out there, i might get my own education on the subject!! please!!!!!

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No you cannot buy your way in to the school! Honestly, as you already have children in the school system I don't know why you would have that idea! VA schools have to abide by their admissions code just as other schools do and that does not include bunging money to the school with your application form. The contribution comes in when your child is actually at the school. Many schools will indicate what their desired/hoped-for contribution will be and will probably tell you if you ask.

Why have you got two threads going on the same topic?

A Voluntary Aided school is usually linked to a particular faith group, usually C of E. It has more flexibility than a Voluntary Controlled school, which still follows the LA rules etc. A voluntary aided school has to find some of the costs for major building works etc. but is usually less controlled by the LA and often more controlled by the Diocese.
A quick google search would show you all these things, as would presumable a read of the prospectus.

thanks folks for your replies, i really appreciate your time, and bothering to reply.

i had put the question onto 2 links because i wanted to broaden my chances of having replies!!

i also wanted honest parents opinions rather than the 'official' answer (just incase they differed)

thanks again x

ok i have gone searching and found out that the recommended minimum amount per month for parents to give to st georges is £12....although this is still voluntary.