Charging and Remissions
Charging
Ashcroft Technology Academy provides a free education to all its students throughout their education with the Academy. Within this provision the Academy recognises the valuable contribution that a wide range of additional enrichment activities such as clubs, day trips, residential trips and experiences of other environments can provide for each student's all round educational experience, aiding their personal and social development. It therefore aims to offer a broad programme of trips and activities accessible to as many students as possible.
The Academy Trust reserves the right to make a charge to parents in certain circumstances and whilst ensuring that no child should have their access to the curriculum limited by charges, it is necessary to establish and maintain a fair and coherent system of charges where these are deemed necessary.
The following is a detailed list of when charges may be made, bearing in mind the above:-
- Music tuition for which there is a parental agreement and where it does not form an integral part of the curriculum or part of the syllabus for a prescribed examination.
- Trips which take place mainly outside of Academy hours. Board, lodgings and travel costs will be charged for residential trips, subject to statutory exceptions. The board and lodging element of any trip/residential during school time may also be charged as would the cost of outdoor pursuit courses.
- Where student inappropriate behaviour requires the replacement of defaced, damaged or broken furniture, fixtures and fittings or fabric of the Academy or other facility, whilst acting as a representative of the Academy.
- Lost or damaged learning resources, text or exercise books.
- The cost of materials or ingredients required in a practical subject where the teacher requests such contribution if the student and/or parents have indicated in advance that they wish to own the finished product.
In the case of examinations, charges will be made in the following circumstances:
- Where a request is made for accreditation in a subject that is not a normal part of the students Academy programme.
- When a request is made for a different form of accreditation to that advised and provided by the Academy.
- When a student is entered for an examination but without good reason/medical certification, fails to sit the examination that the Academy has paid the entry fee for.
- When a student has failed to meet the entry criteria for a certain examination but still wishes to be entered. Such fees would be returnable upon achievement of the required grades in the subject.
Voluntary contributions may be invited for trips that take place mainly within Academy hours. No student may be excluded from the trip through an inability to pay, but the Academy reserves the right to cancel the trip if the level of contributions does not meet its budgetary requirements.
No student will be excluded from any trip or visit because of an inability to pay, providing it is a necessary part of the work of the Academy.
Remission
In cases where charges are to be levied, parents must be advised in advance and monies collected prior to the activity. The Academy provides a one-off travel assistance grant for students whose parents are in receipt of qualifying state benefits, which can be accessed once during each student's education with the Academy. A 50% reduction in music tuition fees is also provided for students whose parents are in receipt of such benefits.
This policy will be reviewed at least every 2 years and parents will be notified in writing of any changes as and when made.
