Five post-primary schools in Cork request fees for enrolling pupils next year

One school described the fee as a 'non-refundable' registration fee, while another described it as a 'voluntary registration fee'

Since 2018, schools have been prohibited from charging fees or seeking contributions for the enrolment or continued enrolment of a student in a school. File photo

A number of post-primary schools in Cork have sought fees from parents as they offered to enroll their child for next year, despite legislation intended to ban the practice.

The Irish Examiner has seen letters sent by five post-primary schools requesting fees as they offered their child a place for next September. It's understood that practice may be more widespread than just these five schools.

Since 2018, schools have been prohibited by the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018 from charging fees or seeking contributions for the enrolment or continued enrolment of a student in a school.

The charges sought are described differently by each school. One school asked parents to accept their offer of a place by following a link to make a “non-refundable” contribution towards the costs of assessments, an induction day and admin.

Another school described the fee as a “non-refundable” registration fee, while another described it as a “voluntary registration fee”.

One described the fees sought as a “student services charge” towards items like insurance, locker rental, exam costs and school travel for teams.

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A fifth school asked parents to return a signed enrolment form along with a “voluntary contribution” of €280 towards things like insurance, photocopying and extra-curricular activities.

A principal who highlighted the practice to the Irish Examiner said they believe the rules on when a school can, and cannot, seek contributions from parents are clear.

“It's putting extra pressure on parents by asking them to make a choice [on a school] with an artificial deadline and by putting pressure on them to make a decision quicker than they should have to.” 

Schools cannot ask parents for hypothetical charges, the principal added. “Even if it was a legitimate charge, it's not a legitimate charge now.

“It’s really clear that while schools can pass on charges, and they can’t do it with enrolment. It's like charging for a school trip in third year now.

“I think parents should be refunded, I think schools should stop collecting these funds, and I think they should be required to refund parents.” 

Department of Education response

A spokeswoman for the Department of Education said Section 64 of the Education (Admissions to schools) Act 2018 "explicitly prohibits" the charging of admission and enrolment fees for admission to, or for continued enrolment in a school.

“In instances where the department is made aware of schools charging fees that are prohibited by section 64, the department will follow up with the school [or schools] concerned.” 

She added: “Voluntary contributions by parents of pupils enrolled in recognised schools are permissible provided it is made absolutely clear to parents that there is no requirement to pay and that, in making a contribution, they are doing so of their own volition. 

“The manner in which voluntary contributions are sought and collected is a matter for school management.”