Private School Fees - School refusing to reduce fees during summer term

[NorthWestPerm2Contr]

Was wondering if anybody else has their children and private schools (it's not a luxury for me as state schools in region are not up to scratch) and has had to deal with a school being completely unreasonable.

A large group of parents has sent them a few letters and so far their continued stance of no reduction in fees has continued.

[AtW]

If they reduce fees they’d have to increase them to make up for shortfall

[Scoobos]

If you've an option of not paying them, that's what I'd take - cancel any future payments; surely you must be protected if you are paying for a service that the vendor cannot provide?

[ladymuck]

If there is a large enough of parents then surely you could all collaborate to refuse to pay?

The fixed costs still remain but if they've furloughed the teaching staff then there could be a saving.

[eek]

If there is a large enough of parents then surely you could all collaborate to refuse to pay?

The fixed costs still remain but if they've furloughed the teaching staff then there could be a saving.

They can't furlough the staff as some children will need to be taught (online if not in a classroom) - so the schools costs are probably 90% of their usual costs.

From what I'm hearing private schools are hurting a lot. Out of the 2 I know parents have children at, 1 has slashed their notice period from a term to zero if the parents can't afford it, the other has gone to half a term from a term.

So moan all you want but I suspect your options are to pay up or hope a local school has a place.

[d000hg]

Was wondering if anybody else has their children and private schools (it's not a luxury for me as state schools in region are not up to scratch) and has had to deal with a school being completely unreasonable.

A large group of parents has sent them a few letters and so far their continued stance of no reduction in fees has continued.

It is a luxury

If you've an option of not paying them, that's what I'd take - cancel any future payments; surely you must be protected if you are paying for a service that the vendor cannot provide?

What does the contract say? It varies from setting to setting what they legally do, and what they are choosing to do.

They are probably not able to claim insurance and they may be providing remote learning (?) in which case teachers might not be furloughed.
We have seen a mix of reactions from schools/nurseries. Some are not charging, some are charging, some are demanding a retainer to hold a place, etc.

Friends of ours are taking the view if people don't pay the school might not exist and they want it to, so they are paying.

I think each place can play it how they feel. The best option is to talk to them, not demand things.

[scooterscot]

Is this because during lockdown you'll not be able to benefit from normal school activities?

[d000hg]

They can't furlough the staff as some children will need to be taught (online if not in a classroom) - so the schools costs are probably 90% of their usual costs.

They don't NEED to be taught (as I understand it) but many schools are choosing to provide remote learning. There is no requirement on any school to provide anything, except baby-sitting for key-worker kids (I think).

[BR14]

sell one of the bentleys

[d000hg]

Who wants to buy a Bentley right now? You can't drive it anywhere and when this is over all the footballers will be selling theirs dirt cheap.