Child Finances

Pocket money

Schools require that any large sums of money (over £10.00) should be deposited in the school bank (if there is one) or lodged with the house master/mistress.  Money can then be withdrawn or given to the child as required.  Alternatively parents may wish to lodge a sum with the school Bursar to be given to the child at weekly intervals (schools recommend £10.00 - £15.00 per week).  When a child from overseas has an exeat (weekend leave) or half term holiday, pocket money is usually sent to the guardian family and given in cash to the child to spend over the holiday.

Deposits

In addition to pocket money to cover the child's day-to-day expenses, schools also require a refundable deposit which ranges from £50.00 to the whole term's fees.  In the event that parents do not pay the end of term bill, this deposit will be used to cover any charges incurred over the term by the child.  Provided that all end of term charges have been paid, the deposit will be refunded in full when the child completes his/her course of studies at the school.

Extra charges

Some schools ask for a deposit for use of the school's libraries; there may also be charges for membership of clubs or for extra-curricular activities or subscriptions for the use of facilities only available to Sixth Form students and donations for the maintenance of school buildings etc.  Parents are advised to check with the school in advance with regard to extra charges that may be incurred and perhaps consider setting an upper limit each term.  Alternatively, parents may be requested to authorise any charges over a certain amount, for example £50 per activity.  Extras may include dry-cleaning, riding, dance classes, private music lessons or theatre trips.  In certain instances, there may be an additional charge for books or materials required for projects, or entry fees to external examinations.