The law regarding charging for school activities can be summarised as follows: the school may charge for any activity taking place mainly in school time but any contributions are voluntary. There is no compulsion on parents to pay but in practice this means that unless a contribution is received from each child involved then whatever is planned may not take place.
Payments for events arranged outside of school hours can be requested by the school but attendance by pupils cannot be enforced. This type of activity might include evening or weekend excursions or residential visits (depending on the school days used). Payments can also be requested for such items as cakes, biscuits, etc. made by children.
Also, the governors wish to add, that, in the event of any child losing or deliberately damaging equipment or books provided by the school, payment may be sought from parents to make good the loss.