reduced grammar fees in NI if on benefits?

[cantpaythefees]

Hi,

Name changed regular.

My son in theory got the transfer test results to enter Methodist College/RBAI. He is hoping to go for the latter, which I believe is around £800 per academic year. I am currently on Income Support, and wondering if there is a waive of this fee for parents of means tested benefits?

Also with regards to FSM, how does this work? I remember when I was at school there was a seperate queue for pupils on FSM in the canteen, I would like to think that things have moved on, as i would hate for my son to feel alienated from his friends at lunchtimes.

TIA

I am not sure there is a fee waiver but not 100% sure. There is no mention of it on the RBAI website re admissions nor is it mentioned in the Belfast Education & Library Board booklet on transfers. The Inst fee is currently £885 but there are other fees on top of that, which brings it closer to £1k.

There is mention in the education board doc of an allowance for school uniform allowance and free school meals but that's it. I would call the school to check though.

On the other hand, the Belfast Education board doc seems to indicate that the fees are lower and there is help for pupils from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. Again I would call the school directly.

That last comment was re Methody - hit send too quickly.

Thanks a lot MLP. I am only recently on benefits (which I never thought I would be) and it only dawned on me a few days ago that due to mounting costs I may not be able to afford to send him if there is no waiver. I will phone the school after the holidays to clarify.