Charging and remissions policy: model and examples
Save time and stay compliant by adapting our model charging and remissions policy. Alternatively, use our downloadable checklist to structure your policy and read tips on how to write your own.
- Download our model policy
- Examples of policies
- Tips on writing a policy
Details of statutory policies have now been incorporated into the new governance guides for maintained schools and academies. Take a look at our summary of the new governance guides.
We’ve reached out to the DfE to clarify some of the detail on the statutory policy list in the new guides, and we will update our related articles with any updates in due course. Select ‘save for later’ at the top of this page to be notified when this article has been updated.
Download our model policy
Model policy: charging and remissions
Approved by Forbes Solicitors, our model document is designed for you to adapt to suit your school’s context. It will save you time and help you keep your school compliant.
Maintained schools and academies are required to have a charging and remissions policy.
Please note: this model policy is aimed primarily at maintained schools and academies, but can be easily adapted to suit any school. If you wish to use the policy in a different type of setting – for example, a pupil referral unit (PRU) or non-maintained special school – we recommend you check it against any requirements or considerations specific to your context and adapt it accordingly.
Use our downloadable checklist
If you're writing or reviewing your own policy, you can benchmark it against our model above, or use our checklist to help:
KeyDoc: charging and remissions policy checklist
Examples of policies
Primary schools
- Cherry Tree Primary School, an academy in Hertfordshire
- Markington Church of England Primary & Nursery School, a voluntary controlled school in North Yorkshire
- Snaith Primary School, a community school in East Riding of Yorkshire
Secondary schools
- Weaverham High School, a foundation school in Cheshire
- Claremont High School, an academy in Brent (see under 'finance & premises management policies')
Special school
- Ravenshall School, a special school in West Yorkshire
Multi academy trusts (MATs)
Athena Learning Trust, an 8-school MAT, has a charging and remissions policy available on its statutory policies page.
Alpha Academies Trust, with 5 schools, has a charging and remissions policy on its policies page.
Tips on writing a policy
When writing a policy:
- Use parent-friendly language and avoid jargon, to help make it clear when parents/carers will and won’t be charged
- Include clear information about the way the policy applies to pupils in receipt of certain benefits
- Make direct reference to the guidance on charging for school activities published by the DfE
Communicating with parents/carers
When communicating with parents/carers about individual charges or requests for payment and voluntary contributions, be clear about how the request complies with your charging and remissions policy.
For instance, if you're charging parents/carers for their child’s attendance at a breakfast club, you could explain:
- Why the school is providing the breakfast club
- Why it is charging
- What the charge will cover
- How the charge complies with the DfE’s current guidance and the school's charging and remissions policy
This was explained to us by a representative from the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL).
