Understanding School Costs: 
A Guide for Parents/Carers

At Fleetwood High School, we are committed to ensuring that all families have clear, advance information about any potential costs associated with their child’s education. We recognise that managing finances can be challenging, and we aim to support parents and carers by providing transparency and sufficient notice wherever possible. 

Each academic year, we will provide a breakdown of anticipated costs for each year group. This may include, but is not limited to: 

•      Educational visits and trips 

•      Curriculum-related materials or specialist equipment 

•      Examination fees (where applicable) 

•      Optional extracurricular activities and clubs 

•      Revision guides or additional learning resources 

•      Uniform or equipment specific to certain subjects 

Where costs are optional, this will be clearly indicated. No student will be disadvantaged if a family is unable to contribute to voluntary activities. 

We will communicate expected costs at the start of the academic year (and update families if circumstances change), so that parents and carers can plan and budget accordingly. Wherever possible, we will offer flexible payment options and staged payment plans to help spread the cost over time. 

We use ParentPay as our secure online payment system, allowing parents and carers to view, track and pay for school-related costs in one place. ParentPay enables families to make payments at a time and pace that suits them, helping to spread the cost where needed. It also provides clear records of payments and upcoming items, supporting families with budgeting and financial planning. 

For families experiencing financial difficulty, we encourage you to contact the school in confidence. We are committed to working with you to ensure all students can access the opportunities offered, including signposting to available support or funding where appropriate. 

Our aim is to provide an inclusive educational experience for all students, and open communication around costs is a key part of achieving this. 

Here is our breakdown of projected required (R) and optional costs in the 2026/27 academic year. Please understand that these are subject to change. 

School Uniform and Support 

We are committed to keeping school uniform costs as affordable as possible for all families. Branded items are kept to a minimum and limited only to those essential for maintaining a clear school identity and a sense of belonging among students. Wherever possible, non-branded alternatives are permitted, allowing parents to purchase items from a range of retailers at competitive prices. 

We regularly review our uniform requirements to ensure they remain cost-effective and do not place unnecessary financial pressure on families. Our aim is to strike a balance between maintaining high standards and supporting parents in managing household budgets. 

Pre-owned Uniform 

We offer a wide range of pre-owned uniform in good condition to support families in keeping costs to a minimum. Families who may require financial support are encouraged to contact the school’s pastoral team, who can provide guidance and assistance with uniform needs.