Charging for school activities

Find out what activities and equipment you can and can't charge parents for and how to request payment.

Last reviewed on 18 October 2024See updates
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 32580
Contents
  1. You must have a charging and remissions policy
  2. What can't we charge for?
  3. What can we charge for?
  4. You can't usually charge for transport to school
  5. You can charge for some music tuition
  6. You can charge for some personal care items
  7. You can ask for voluntary contributions
  8. How to request payment

You must have a charging and remissions policy

Download and adapt our model policy or use our checklist to find out what to include. 

This article is based on advice from the DfE on charging for school activities. It applies to all maintained schools.

Academies: it also applies to you through your funding agreement (though check your funding agreement to be sure). 

What can't we charge for?

Education provided during school hours (including the supply of materials, books, instruments or other equipment) Education provided outside of school hours if it's part of: The National Curriculum A syllabus for an exam that your school is preparing the pupil for Religious education Instrumental or vocal tuition, for individuals and for groups, unless you're providing it because a parent/carer has asked you to (see more in the section below about music tuition) An admission application to any state-funded school Entry fees for an exam that your school is preparing the pupil for Exam resits, for a resit that