Financial Responsibility
Ringwood Waldorf School as an independent school that relies solely on parental contributions for its financial and environmental wellbeing and the financial organisation of the school reflects this fact. The school endeavours to ensure that the education is available to all those parents who wish it for their children while at the same time recognising that the school needs to be financially viable.
The school offers the highest quality Steiner Waldorf Education it can within the resources available, and the provision of those resources is the responsibility of each individual within the community.
Financial Information
Financial Contributions for the Academic Year 2024-25
(Applicable from 29th August 2024)
The guidelines show the amount per child we require for the financial year to ensure that we are able to fulfil the goals that have been set in consultation with the whole school community.
Plus VAT from 1st January 2025 (subject to government legislation).
| Class | Autumn Term | Spring Term | Summer Term | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten (over 5 years old) | £1,999 | £1,998 | £1,998 | £5,995 |
| Class One | £2,597 | £2,597 | £2,596 | £7,790 |
| Class Two | £2,830 | £2,830 | £2,829 | £8,489 |
| Class Three | £3,012 | £3,012 | £3,012 | £9,036 |
| Classes Four to Eight | £3,332 | £3,332 | £3,331 | £9,995 |
| Classes Nine to Twelve | £3,743 | £3,742 | £3,742 | £11,227 |
Early Years Funding
Main Kindergarten ages 3 - 5. Up to 15 hours free entitlement if child qualifies for Dorset Early Years funding which commences from the term following the child's 3rd birthday for six terms. Please note, Ringwood Waldorf School only offers 35 weeks entitlement out of the maximum of 38 weeks. You may access the remainder of the free entitlement at another approved provider.
The school will apply for the Early Years Funding for your child. This funding has already been calculated into the requested contributions below.
The school does not accept the 30 hours funding.
See contributions above for children aged 5+.
| Kindergarten Mornings | Autumn Term | Spring Term | Summer Term | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 mornings | £769 | £768 | £768 | £2,305 |
| 4 mornings | £1,025 | £1,025 | £1,025 | £3,075 |
| 5 mornings | £1,367 | £1,367 | £1,366 | £4,100 |
All contributions are payable termly in advance by the first day of term, unless there is an agreement with the school and a standing order for the correct monthly amount set up.
Notice to withdraw a pupil
One term’s notice in writing to the School Management Team is required. Where less than a term’s notice has been given a full term’s contribution will still be charged.
Financial Contributions
Parents complete a FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION FORM which is an annual funding agreement with the school.
New families are asked to complete and sign a Financial Contribution Form as a prerequisite to an admission application being considered.
The school is very grateful to those families who are able to gift more than the Expected Contribution. These donations can be Gift Aided, making them even more valuable to the school Community.
Community Support Fund
There is a hope that families who are able to give more than the guideline financial contributions will do so, with the added benefit that this can be Gift Aided to the school. These extra contributions will add to the financial stability of the school in all areas.
To Gift Aid, simply fill out a GiftAid form, every £10 donated as community support will be worth £12.50 to the school.
In addition, higher rate tax payers may claim an additional amount off their own personal tax bill, up to an additional 20% of the donation amount.
Non-financial Contributions
As well as the financial contribution to the school, families are welcome to join in to the community life of the school.
- Cleaning
Each class has both a weekly and half-termly cleaning rota. In addition, there are groups of parents who help clean the communal areas, such as the school hall. In doing this, the children are provided with a clean environment which is cared for by their parents, thus encouraging them to care for their environment too. - Maintenance and Gardening
TLC and gardening days are regularly organised within the school where families can help maintain the fabric and improve the surroundings of the school. - Fundraising
There are many opportunities to raise additional income through fundraising activities and parents are encouraged to actively support this. - Community Activities
There are many events and activities during the year where parents, either as a personal initiative or as part of a group, can contribute socially and culturally as well as materially to the community.
Admissions Costs
Registration Fee (non-refundable) - £95
payable when you submit your application
Family Deposit (refundable) - £700
payable when you accept your offer of a place & sign your contract
Your Financial Contributions
You will notice we use the term 'contributions' rather than 'fees'. There is a subtle but significant difference. You are not just paying a certain amount and expecting a certain amount of service in return. You are an active part of our school community which by making contributions is collectively enabling the school to thrive and grow.
The Contribution amounts shown are what the school needs every family to pay so that the school can meet and expand on its development goals of providing excellent Waldorf education in safe, suitable and beautiful accommodation.
If your family requires a sibling discount for financial reasons, please contact Admissions or Finance to discuss.
Sibling discounts are not available for children under 5 who are in receipt of the Early Years Funding.
Other Costs
KINDERGARTEN AFTERNOON SESSIONS
Kindergarten afternoon sessions are currently available on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons 12.45pm – 3.30pm which includes a healthy lunch. We also offer a lunch club on Thursdays from 12.45pm - 2.00pm. Children need to bring their own packed lunch on Thursdays as no lunch is provided. Spaces are limited. Please check availability with the office.
Cost 2024-25:
- £16 per afternoon session if booked yearly in advance.
- £7 per session for Thursday Lunch Club.
CLASSES 1 - 5 AFTERNOON SESSIONS
Lower/Middle school afternoon sessions are available on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons from 1.00pm – 3.30pm.
- Children must bring a packed lunch as lunch is not provided
- Sessions are free
- Booked online or through the school office
SCHOOL MINIBUS
The school offers a daily mini bus service from Bournemouth to school and return. Minibus bookings are made for one whole school year (September – July).
Bookings can be cancelled or made (subject to availability) partway through the year for the remainder of the year. Parents will be invoiced every half-term.
Costs of bookings:
- Yearly bookings: £3.75 per trip
- Additional trips (subject to availability) for yearly bookers: £3.75 per trip
- Ad-hoc trips for non-yearly bookers (subject to availability) £5.00 per trip
ADDITIONAL CHARGES
Some items such as field trips, class trips, GCSE public exams, recorders (which will be the child’s personal property) and additional learning support will be charged separately.