The Mission Statement of the Sacred Heart High School aims to recognise the uniqueness of each child and develop her to the full regardless of gender, race, social background or ability. The school policy on charging for activities will aim to ensure that no child is excluded from an activity because of the inability or unwillingness to pay on the part of the parent/carer.

Those activities for which a charge may be made are governed by the Education Reform Act 1988 and laid down in the DFE Circular 2/89.

Education wholly or mainly within school hours (not including break times) will be provided free of charge. The exception to this is the provision of individual music tuition, not linked to GCSE.Parents will arrange this privately with specialist teachers.

If a particular activity is limited to a specific number of pupils, the inclusion of pupils must not make reference to the ability or willingness to pay on behalf of the parent. A charge may be made for activities which take place partly or wholly outside school hours. Out of school activities will be organised to supplement and support formal learning in curriculum areas and to provide further experiences to enable girls to develop their full potential.

Optional Extras

The school cannot require a pupil to pay for use in connection with education provided within school hours. Parents may be invited to provide particular items on a voluntary basis eg. calculators, Bible etc. but if unable or unwilling to comply no child will be disadvantaged.

Clothing

The above does not apply to the uniform but the school, in conjunction with the LEA, will use its discretionary powers to assist where able. This may be in the form of an LEA clothing grant, where their criteria are met. In exceptional circumstances by the use of school voluntary funds. The school will supply essential protective clothing when necessary eg. safety goggles.

Field Courses

The school will charge for board and lodging for those pupils involved in Science or Geography field trips, in line with sections 29-35 of DFE Circular 2/89. In addition, voluntary contributions will be requested to cover the cost of travel.

All parents will be notified when the trip is organised that there is a remission of board and lodging charges for those parents in receipt of certain benefits e.g.. Income Support. The school will make applications to the LEA on behalf of the parent.

School Trips Abroad

Education trips to Europe and skiing holidays are organised in the school holidays. These are always voluntary and parents will be expected to meet the full cost. However, parents who are in receipt of Income Support may be entitled to a grant towards the cost from the LEA. Applications will be made to the LEA on behalf of the parent. All applications for grants from the LEA (Uniform, Free Meals & Journey Grants) will need to be accompanied by evidence of the benefit received.

Day Outings

Parents may be asked for a voluntary contribution to cover day visits arranged for individual classes if the school has insufficient funds to meet the cost. However no child will be prevented from taking part in the outing because parents are unwilling or unable to pay. But it may happen that without sufficient contributions the activity may have to be cancelled. This will be made clear to parents in the letter advising details of the activity.

Ingredients/Materials for Practical Subjects

Normally all ingredients and materials will be provided. However in cases where a child wishes to retain the finished produce, a small charge can be made.

Damage/loss of Equipment

A charge may be made for damage or loss caused by a pupil. This will be at the Head's discretion.

Currently a book deposit of £10.00 is required at the beginning of Year 10. This is refunded on the return of all school books at the end of Year 11.

Examination Fees

Pupils are not charged for exams for which they are prepared in school. Parents will be charged the appropriate fee for any additional exam for which a child is entered but not prepared at school (eg. Home Languages).

The school reserves the right to charge parents if a pupil is withdrawn or fails to attend an examination without good reason.