Summary

There are four principles underlying the provisions on charging:

  1. That education in schools should be free
  2. That activities offered wholly or mainly during normal school teaching time should be available to all pupils regardless of their  parents ability or willingness to help meet the cost.
  3. That there is no statutory requirement to charge for any form of education, but that LAs and schools have the discretion to charge for optional activities provided wholly or mainly out of school hours.
  4. That LAs and school have the right to invite voluntary contributions for the benefit of the school, or in support of any activity organised by the school, whether during or outside school hours.