On Monday 29th July, the government announced that they will impose VAT from 1st January 2025 and remove Business Rates relief from 1st April 2025.
In setting our school fees for 2024-25, we have been mindful of the cost of living pressures and the impact of the government’s decision to impose VAT. We have therefore restricted the increase in school fees in September to 4%. This is below the effective rate of inflation being experienced by the School and the published average of fee increases by other independent schools.
Alongside other independent schools, the School faces increased costs due to a number of factors including a 5% point increase in the Teacher Pension Scheme employer contribution rate and the recently announced 5.5% public sector pay award for teachers.
The government’s announcement regarding VAT has come without the independent impact assessment called for by organisations representing the independent school sector and politicians from other parties. Brentwood School, the Independent Schools Council (and other representative bodies) will continue to press for such an assessment and argue strongly against such an unfair policy.
Meanwhile, we will take all reasonable steps to reduce the increase by claiming back VAT, while protecting investment in our pupils’ education to ensure we maintain the highest standards, within and beyond the classroom. In doing so, we have restricted the increase in total fees including VAT to 13.8% from January 2025. Current indications are that Foundation Year fees and wrap-around care charges will be exempt from VAT.
This means that the fees for 2024/25 will be as follows:
Fees for Senior School & Sixth Form 2024/25
| Michaelmas Term 2024 | Lent Term 2025 (inclusive of VAT) | Trinity Term 2025 (inclusive of VAT) | Total fees for 2024/25 (inclusive of VAT) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day Students | £8,137 | £9,264 | £9,264 | £26,665 |
| Boarders | £15,945 | £18,153 | £18,153 | £52,251 |
Fees for Preparatory School 2024/25
| Michaelmas Term 2024 | Lent Term 2025 (inclusive of VAT) | Trinity Term 2025 (inclusive of VAT) | Total fees for 2024/25 (inclusive of VAT) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reception to Year 6 | £6,216 | £7,077 | £7,077 | £20,370 |
| Foundation Year | £6,216 | £6,216 | £6,216 | £18,648 |
We are extremely happy with the School which has exceeded all our expectations, James has made an excellent transition and we are delighted with the progress he has already made.
Fees are due for payment on or before the first day of term.
A monthly payment scheme is available via School Fee Plan (SFP)
Foundation Year (3+)
Where children in Foundation attend initially on an agreed part-time basis as set out in offer letters, the fees will be charged on a pro rata basis. We will accept legacy workplace Child Care Vouchers, providing that this has been agreed in advance with the Fees Office. We do not accept payments under the Tax-Free Childcare scheme.
For all children in the Prep School, including those in the Foundation Year, we offer the option of Wraparound from 7.30am to 6pm during term time.
Having had two children progress through the School I particularly value the Brentwood Preparatory philosophy of nurturing each child as an individual.
Supplementary Charges
Compulsory curriculum year group activities are included in the fees above, including charges relating to Tuesday activities and Whole Year Enrichment Activities.
The following items are charged as supplemental to the Fees:
- Co-curricular activities such as chargeable clubs, trips and visits, including those taking place during the school day
- Public examination fees
- School coach fares
- Additional charges incurred by the School in providing for the special educational needs of your child
- Other costs notified to you by the School
Parents will be billed directly for charges for individual music lessons, LAMDA tuition and optional sports coaching by the respective tutors. Wraparound Care for Prep pupils is paid for in advance when booking.
Surcharge for Late Payment
Our Terms and Conditions require that fee payments in respect of School invoices must reach the School’s Fees Bursary’s bank account by the first day of each term and should be settled by direct debit. Any payment after this date is a late payment and we may charge interest to you on the overdue amount at the rate of 1.5% per month until payment of the overdue amount.
Brentwood in numbers
