Charging for residential school trips

Understand what you can and can't charge for with respect to residential trips. Read guidance on when parents may be exempt from paying for elements that are normally chargeable.

Last reviewed on 25 October 2022
See updates
School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 5778
Contents
  1. What can't we charge for?
  2. What can we charge for?
  3. Parents receiving certain benefits are exempt from some charges
  4. Use our model charging and remissions policy

The cost-of-living crisis is affecting many schools, and you may be looking to change the way you operate. It's important to remember that there are set rules for what you can and cannot charge for, including residential trips. 

The following is based on the Department for Education's (DfE's) guidance on charging for school activities.

What can't we charge for?

This is laid out on page 8 of the guidance. In these cases, you may request voluntary contributions