Parents take note regarding - School Fees

New school fees

Samisoni Nabilivalu
Sunday, August 21, 2011

THE Ministry of Education is reminding parents that a new school fees and levy guideline has been approved following a review of school fees and levies charged by primary schools.

The calculation of the new, approved, school fees and levy guideline were based on the school roll and location and has been approved says the ministry.

Education Minister Filipe Bole in a statement said: "There are four categories of schools; Category A are schools in very remote areas with a roll between 10-49; Category B are small schools in remote rural areas with a roll between 50-99.

"Category C are medium schools in remote, rural and urban areas with a roll between 100-149 and Category D are medium and large schools mainly in rural, peri-urban and urban areas with a roll of 150 or more students."

He said the new approved guidelines allowed schools in Categories A, B, and C to charge a maximum of $30 per child per term or $90 per child per year.

"Schools in Category D can charge a maximum of $35 per child per term or $105 per child per year."

The ministry says details on the type and amount of fees levied are at the discretion of the school management provided it adheres to the approved guidelines ceiling.

"However, it must be submitted to the permanent secretary for Education for approval."

The ministry wants parents, teachers and school committees to understand that the school levies are different from the tuition fee grant.

"The approved guidelines also include the removal of enrolment or admission fees, therefore no school is to charge any enrolment or admission fees.

"All schools that charge more than what they should are to reduce their levies to remain under the ceiling prescribed."

Mr Bole confirmed School Fees Structure Return Form's have been sent out to all primary schools to fill and return indicating the different fees and levies charged for each child per term and for the year.