To pay or not to pay… can schools insist on taking fees?

Can I withhold fees if I can no longer afford to pay?

Check the contract you have signed with the school as a first port of call, which may specify what happens in the case of a sudden loss of income. Even if they don’t waive fees, there may be the possibility

of spreading or delaying payments. Also, check what schemes are in place at the school. Private schools usually have bursaries and scholarships, which your child could apply for, as well as a hardship fund, which can smooth over patches where you can’t pay.

Can I get a discount for the summer term?

Each school has its own policy on fees charged for online teaching, with some offering no tuition discounts, but others cutting them by

up to 50 per cent. Many schools are meeting in the middle and giving discounts based on services that are not being provided, like lunches and buses, but still charging for tuition as it is being offered online. Some discounts are being offered upfront,

whereas others will be given as a rebate on the fees for next term. Ask your child’s school for their policy.

Will my child’s school withhold their grades if we don’t pay?

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said

that parents should not be “held over a barrel” by the threat of not giving their children exam grades if fees are not paid. However, he also said pointed out that he does not have the power to do anything about this, as private education is a “contractual agreement

between a private sector organisation and parent”. The best advice is to check the contract you signed before taking any further action.

What about boarding fees?

The Good Schools Guide is recommending that

schools don’t charge for pupil’s boarding costs this term to ensure fairness, but not every school is following the same policy: some are waiving boarding fees, and others offering small discounts.