Industry News
Associated costs of education "difficult"
Posted on 29th August 2007
Results of a survey released by Citizens Advice suggest three out of four parents and guardians find meeting school costs "very" or "quite" difficult.
The survey questioned more than 1,000 in June and July and found nearly one in ten respondents said associated costs had affected their choice.
Chief executive for Citizens Advice David Harker said for many parents their children's education did not feel free. He said he was particularly concerned over schools which pressure parents to make "so-called 'voluntary' contributions".
He said: "We want to help parents feel they can complain about school costs and how much notice schools give for expenses. Parent power can help put pressure on schools to make education affordable for everyone."
The Office of Fair Trading published research last year which suggested parents could save money by buying uniforms at supermarkets.
It warned schools could leave themselves open to prosecution if they forced parents to buy over-priced outfits.