SCHOOL FEES
A priceless education
SIMON BALDERSON, Deputy Head Academic at Westonbirt School, Gloucestershire outlines the financial paths open to families who would otherwise struggle with the cost of school fees
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independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2021
or deferred payments for families who needed to respond to financial changes brought about by a change in circumstances.
Around the clock
The overall cost of education is always worth considering, when thinking about whether to send your child to an independent school. Many independent schools provide wraparound care, with breakfast clubs, a longer school day, and a variety of sport, music, clubs, societies, and activities which would incur a cost outside of school. The flexibility of being able to drop your child off early or pick them up later in the afternoon, knowing
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t first glance, the cost of independent education looks prohibitively expensive for all but the most well off. However, when one considers the various benefits provided in the all-encompassing approach to education embodied by many independent schools, especially those with a boarding community, it can be significantly more cost-effective than it might initially appear. Add to that the discounts offered by virtually all independent schools as bursaries and scholarships, as well as funding available from charitable organisations, and the entire proposition seems much more enticing. The fee structure at most independent schools is fairly similar, usually being charged by the term. Some charge a flat fee, whereas others increase as the child moves through the school. Whatever the structure, it’s often worth speaking to the bursar, if a different payment plan would suit you. Schools will often try their best to be accommodating and, particularly over the recent pandemic, many will have offered discounts, established hardship funds,
MANY INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS PROVIDE wraparound care, with
breakfast clubs, a longer school day,
AND A VARIETY OF SPORT, MUSIC, CLUBS, SOCIETIES AND ACTIVITIES
