Lower School Fees

Our fees policy is formulated with the intention of making Steiner education accessible to all families who sincerely wish to join the school community.  We do so by means of a contribution system according to a sliding scale of fees. 

Parents establish their financial commitment to the school at an interview with the administrator, in some cases, if there are special considerations, this can be with the treasurer.  When an agreement is reached a financial contribution agreement is signed.  This also carries an agreement by the parents to contribute through work for the school.  In some instances a contribution of work can be incorporated into the contributions agreement in lieu of some fees.

The financial contributions and work commitment given are vital to the success of the education the school and its teachers aim to provide the children.  Participation in a contribution scheme such as this requires a frank and open dialogue and a willingness to work in partnership with each other.  Should difficulties arise it is paramount that communication is immediately established and procedures followed should arrears occur.

The Administrator oversees the school’s day-to-day finances and is available to answer any questions relating to fees, please call the school office to make an appointment to speak to him or meet him.

Financial Information

Lower School Steiner schools in Britain receive no state funding so have to cover the costs of education by way of fees and contributions. 

The level of contribution required for a child in the lower school is currently 13% of a family’s net income (gross salaries minus tax and NI) over 52 weeks of the year – on a sliding scale between £27.81 per week and £63.86 per week.  Attendance by a second sibling includes a 1/3rd discount and 2/3rds discount for a third child is given. 

This procedure occurs when an educational interview has taken place and the teacher has accepted the child. 

Financial agreements are reviewed annually in meeting with two members of the Finance Group before the beginning of each academic year.  Fees are paid in advance by monthly standing order. New parents will need to pay a deposit of one half terms fees to be held by the school on account and notice of half a term is required for withdrawal of a child or payment of one half term’s fee in lieu of notice. 

Classroom Materials Charge

When children start Lower School they are provided with a new recorder, a full set of Stockmar Block and Stick crayons and Lyra pencils. We also use the very best in specialist Steiner watercolour paints and paper every week and particular main lesson books.  All of these are quite specialist and so cost more than normal school supplies.

Thus a charge towards the cost of our classroom materials of £10 per half term will be asked for each child in the Lower School.