What is the Governors’ School Improvement Fund? 

St John's is a Voluntary Aided School. This means the London Diocese (Church of England) owns the school buildings, and contributes to building costs. The school receives no funding from the Local Authority for the maintenance or refurbishment of any of the school buildings. Being a Voluntary Aided School also affects the way the school is funded and therefore the school is legally obliged to have this Governors School Improvement Fund and parents are asked to help. 

The Fund is not built up over time as it is spent on an annual basis and therefore must be replenished annually.

Why do parents need to pay into it? 

The Governors’ Fund has to pay 10% towards all works carried out on school buildings. There needs to be enough money to ensure necessary improvements to the school can be made as required, or when lucky enough to secure extra funding from other sources. There also needs to be a contingency fund for any unforeseen or emergency maintenance.

Nobody likes having to ask for money and the Governing Body is only too well aware that there are many pressing needs on family budgets at the moment, but we hope you are proud of your school and would like it to remain outstanding in every way. Parents’ generosity is crucial if we are to continue to provide the best education and opportunity for your children. This is why we need your help now and are requesting a donation of £60 per child – £20 per term or monthly payment instalments of £5. 

What has the Fund been used for recently? 

Some of the major projects we have undertaken in recent years include new roofs for both the upper and lower school, refurbishment of the lower school classrooms, new reception area toilets and new security measures for the school. If Voluntary Aided schools do not pay, then there will be insufficient money for the Diocese to invest in schools and the buildings could suffer. Certainly there would be no funding for new projects. Parental contributions in community schools fund extras on top of the budget. If we do not receive sufficient contributions, this means money must be taken out of the budget and the money available for the children’s education will be reduced. 

How can I pay?

Please access your Parentpay account where you can make your payment by selecting the option for Governors’ School Improvement Fund. We also ask you to please consider the option of Gift Aid as this will increase the value of your donations at no extra costs cost to you, the donor. If you are a UK taxpayer this will increase your donation by 25p for each £1. 

What if parents can’t pay? 

The Governors are all too aware of current pressures on bank balances. Any donation, however small, is welcomed but if you are unable to pay we understand. All gifts are confidentially handled. Unfortunately, however, if there are not enough contributions the school will be unable to go ahead with many of its plans. Parents already contribute money through PTA events. The PTA raises funds during the year from various sources, (eg discos, Summer Fête, Christmas Fair etc.) but the Governors’ Fund is quite separate. Whilst the PTA can (and often does) make generous contributions for some improvement projects, they are not responsible for key maintenance works. Even if the PTA donates to a project, the Governing Body is still legally liable to make a 10% contribution to funding. Without this, the projects cannot go ahead even if funding is secured from other sources. 

How many contributions were received last year?

Unfortunately contributions were received from just under half of the families in the school and this figure has been steadily declining over time. This is beginning to have a significant impact on the financial support available for the school. The Governing Body will be very grateful for any contribution, whether larger, smaller or equal to the £60 per year suggested. Please see the accompanying letter about ways to contribute. We are now able to claim back tax from the Government on all gifts from UK taxpayers, increasing the value of your contribution at no cost to yourself – please do also click on or fill in the Gift Aid declaration.