Grammar schools and money

[Memillie]

Hi everyone just looking for opinions and experiences on the cost of children going to grammar school. I'm a single mom and work part time so not well off. My daughter has passed entrance exam with quite a good score and only practiced a week before and like any parent would like her to have the best education she deserves but I'm worried that a grammar school will cost loads and my daughter will be out of place?

[Tinkers]

I doubt it will be much different to any other secondary school.
Things to think about.

School dinners, should be the same. (Free school meals depending on your actual income)
Travel costs, you will know the travel involved to the GS and any alternatives.
Uniform. This can be a lot regardless of school. My DDs GS school uniform is probably cheaper than the catchment comp. have a look at their uniform list and how much HAS to come from the specialist uniform shop (and if there's a second hand shop)
Any 'voluntary' contributions expected. Most secondaries around us ask for one but it is voluntary.
We have had to pay a contribution for design tech to cover costs of stuff, £15 for the year.
I would think most state schools also ask for something similar.

Of course most schools will understand if there are financial difficulties if they are told and will be discreet.

Then there's books, stationery etc. school trips.

Tbh, I don't think there will be much if any difference in costs between a GS and a comprehensive school in general. I think your main difference could be travel costs. Again, depending on your income you may be able to get help with this.

[Tinkus-Pinkus]

Hi everyone just looking for opinions and experiences on the cost of children going to grammar school. I'm a single mom and work part time so not well off. My daughter has passed entrance exam with quite a good score and only practiced a week before and like any parent would like her to have the best education she deserves but I'm worried that a grammar school will cost loads and my daughter will be out of place?

A big WELL DONE to your daughter. She is a star, and she is obviously meant to go to the grammar school, so send her there come **** or high water. Grammars were set up for children from families such as yours and it makes my heart sing, to hear that someone who really deserves a place will get one. As the other post says it will all cost the same, grammars are state schools just like uppers and comps. The only thing to look out for really is increased bus fare if it is not your closest school, but as the other poster said, you will probably get help with this if your income is low. Good luck with it all.

[Tinkus-Pinkus]

Citizens Advice - Help with school costs - AdviceGuide
http://www.adviceguide.org.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; › England home › Education › School education
free school meals; school milk; school clothing; school transport; visiting a pupil ... For more information about help with the costs of education for students aged ...

Have a look at this site, it will give you some information on some of the help you may be able to get with costs.

[aliportico]

My daughter's grammar has a very simple uniform and PE kit; no other big costs.

Well done to your daughter Hope she does go

[stroudydad]

Speak to the school.. They will be discreet, and most probably be able to set your mind at rest, many schools have funds available. Speak to them, as has already been said, there is a reason grammars are there... A big eel done to you and your daughter.

[scary mum]

Our GS has a reasonably priced uniform too. There are expensive trips but only a small proportion go on them so those that don't are left felling as if they have missed out. The regular (day) trips are reasonable & every letter reminds you that funding is available for those who can't afford it. It is all dealt with very discretely as far as I am aware.

[DC17C]

Look into whether you fit the criteria for free school meals - if so make sure the school knows as they will get the pupil premium. Some schools use this in their admissions criteria as well.

[pheasantchick]

I don't think they are any different to other schools.

[DC17C]

I suppose the biggest issue could be the cost of getting to the school if you choose not not to go to your closest school then you probably won't get any help with bus fares. That seems to be regional though so depends where you are.