GDST fees

[arctic25]

I have a DD going into 6th form at a GDST school in September having been at the school since 11+. My work is significantly impacted by the on-going lockdown restrictions which means I am not sure I will be able to pay fees in a few months. Has anyone had issues with paying fees at a GDST school in 6th form and has an idea of what happens in this situation?

You can make an application to their hardship fund - all details on the GDST on the website. There is only a limited pot of money though, particularly now, and I would imagine they would prioritise those in Y11 and Y13 for obvious reasons.

However, you should look at your assets and consider whether you could remortgage or downgrade your expenditure on non essentials to make up the shortfall. It would be treated in the same way as a bursary application. For example, if there’s two of you living in a four bedroom house then you do have capacity to release some equity I would imagine.

As a backup I would have a look at your local state schools and sixth form colleges. You might actually be pleasantly surprised at what’s on offer. It will invariably not be your first choice but if you know for sure you won’t be able to afford fees then it’s less disruptive to start somewhere new at the start of a-levels than midway through. Whilst you may well receive help for the fees, I wouldn’t bank on it. You need a plan B.

Contact the bursar asap. There are limited funds often hardship funds are for 12 months only depends on the school.

There are limited funds so if you don't apply now you may lose out although if your income hasn't dropped yet or you haven't been redundant as yet they are unlikely to help.

I would look at local sixth form colleges. Could decrease your stress levels over the next few months.

I am still employed and can't yet apply for hardship funds. If I were to apply in Dec/Jan having started Y12, the likelihood of being given assistance would not seem to be high if the funds are limited, claimants are numerous and assumed prioritisation of Y11/13. Since I don't have assets or savings to fall back on, I will be forced to stop paying potentially in the run up to the mocks. Would the school ask us to leave at that point?

Have you looked into state places at schools or colleges for September. Sounds like you can't afford the indie option and should at least have a Plan B.

The school may ask you to leave, but may agree to wait for payment/reduce fees temporarily. This is more likely if they like your daughter/think she’s a credit to the school, and much less likely if there are any issues with her behaviour or likely grades.

But honestly it’s a risk. A close friend moved schools during a levels and it was very disruptive - she really didn’t get the grades she was capable of. I’d look into alternatives.

This is the perfect time to move schools. They’ve had a long break anyway and it’s a natural break point. My dd is leaving a similar type of school (selective girls) for a state grammar in September. We were also impressed by the sixth form college and local comprehensive and would have been happy with either, so I’m sure you would have good options locally - although the best may be oversubscribed.

I know at our primary school a parent was able to work out a payment plan for their dc when they ran into difficultly. From what I understand it still had to be paid but over an extended period.

But yes they could ask you to leave as you would be breaking the contract by not paying.

Lots of excellent state schools have places at 6th form because of losing pupils to 6th form colleges for BTECs etc and because many increase the intake to allow them to offer a broader range of subjects at A level. Have a look around, you may be surprised at what is available locally.

I know someone who has 2 DCs, one mid GCSE and the other mid A level, who is looking to move them for their final years and it is a nightmare mid A level, matching subjects, boards etc. I should state though that the school has offered both 100% bursaries but there are logistical reasons why these offers can't be accepted. However, there is no guarantee that GDST will be able to offer the same to your DD and personally I wouldn't chance it.