Agent Newsletter – November 2024

Dear Colleagues,

St Lawrence College Announces Sustainable VAT Support Plan for Families

St Lawrence College has been preparing for the introduction of VAT for several years, working to reduce costs and grow revenue where possible. As a school known for competitive pricing, we have consistently aimed to keep costs low for families while maintaining a generous means-tested bursary program to support those with limited means.

The implementation of VAT will bring some benefits, such as allowing the College to reclaim VAT paid to suppliers. Instead of applying a blanket fee reduction, we will use these reclaimed funds to create a targeted support program for families most impacted by the VAT-related fee increase. This approach aligns with our long-standing tradition of offering substantial financial aid to families in need.

While some schools are proposing temporary, across-the-board fee reductions, we believe such measures are unsustainable and do not adequately address the needs of lower-income families. At St Lawrence, we plan to provide tailored VAT relief through our existing means-tested bursary process. Full VAT relief will be available to qualifying families, starting in the Lent Term of 2025. This support will be reviewed annually by our governors and will remain available for the duration of the child’s education at the College.

Clear, Transparent, and Sustainable Approach to Fees

We are committed to keeping future fee increases as low as possible while maintaining the excellence for which St Lawrence is known. Unlike schools offering short-term discounts, our approach ensures stability and predictability for families. Temporary reductions often lead to larger fee increases later, a path we aim to avoid.
From the Lent Term of 2025, invoices will clearly outline VAT charges, categorized by applicable items. To ease the financial burden, families can opt to spread VAT payments over three months. This flexible payment plan will allow fee payers to pay the net fee upfront, with the VAT spread across equal monthly installments.
Even with the introduction of VAT, our fees will remain competitive compared to other 3-18 schools offering temporary fee reductions. This new scheme is designed to operate alongside any existing payment arrangements, ensuring maximum flexibility for families.

Committed to Supporting Families

We understand that the imposition of VAT creates challenges for many families. While we cannot shield parents entirely from this government decision, our targeted relief plan reflects our commitment to supporting those most affected. By focusing our limited resources on those in need, we aim to minimize the impact of VAT in a sustainable way that allows us to keep future fee increases to a minimum.
As always, we are here to address any concerns or questions you may have. Thank you for your continued support of St Lawrence College.

AEGIS Membership

At St Lawrence College, we are proud to announce our membership in the Association for the Education and Guardianship of International Students (AEGIS). This decision marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to creating a nurturing environment for students from diverse backgrounds.

Joining AEGIS is more than an accreditation; it’s a commitment to excellence in student care. AEGIS sets rigorous standards that reassure parents their children are in a safe and supportive environment. This membership enhances our reputation as a school genuinely devoted to the welfare of our international students, especially those who face unique challenges living and studying far from home.

Best wishes,

Jo Ganderton-Smith
Director of External Relations