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Parents advised to approach headteacher about school fee assistance

Posted on 24th March 2009

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Parents struggling to finance school fees have been advised to "schmooze" the headteacher of their independent school.

Speaking to the Times, Sue Fieldman of The Good Schools Guide advised that those who are looking for financial assistance from the school should consider going directly to the head, rather than taking a route to the bursar's office.

She advised parents to tell the head how "wonderful" the school is noting: "They could put a good word in with the bursar, especially if you've got a bright child who they want to keep."

Ms Fieldman added that if the school does have the funds available, they are likely to "move heaven and earth to try and keep you".

Jonathan Cook of the Independent Schools' Bursars Association cautioned that private schools will often prioritise giving financial assistance to those at a more crucial stage of their education, or to their high-achieving pupils.

Last week, Wellington College announced new plans to allow a select number of parents struggling in the current economic climate to spread out the payment of school fees.