Parents should be aware, once they have entered into an agreement with the college to provide education to their child, that there is usually a notice period should they wish to withdraw the child from the college.
This notice period is usually one full term. If this notice period is given, in writing, no financial penalty will be incurred. However, if no such notice is given, the parents are liable for the sum of money as defined in the Terms of Conditions.
Guardianship fees paid to OPDS are non refundable under any circumstances. However, OPDS will continue to act as Guardian for the student if a move to another School / College is requested.
Learning how to manage money is one of the aspects of school/college life that students face when they first leave home.
OPDS can offer a more comprehensive form of financial assistance. We are able to provide a personal bank account for the student's sole use. Students are allocated a standard amount which is specified by the parents and transferred into their account every month. In exceptional circumstances additional sums can be transferred on request from the parents. Detailed record of all the student's expenditure is maintained and made available to the parents at the end of each term.
By managing the student funds we are also able to assist the student immediately with any expenditure they may wish to make, such as tickets to return to China, funding for English lessons etc. All this is agreed with the parents beforehand, of course.
It is essential for the parents to give a signed undertaking to OPDS that this additional service is required.
The service includes the provision of statements from the bank to allow the OPDS guardian to check on the amount of money being spent.
This service is FREE of charge but we ask for an initial deposit of 1,000 GBP to establish a fund from which expenditure can be taken.
Students are recommended not to borrow money from other students. If additional (small) sums of money are required from time to time, it is usually better to approach the Housemaster/Housemistress and request that the sum borrowed be added to the termly bill.
Similarly, students are recommended not to lend money to other students, especially those outside their immediate circle of close friends.
If they do decide to lend money, they should obtain a signed, dated receipt from the student who borrows, which should be retained until the money is repaid. A student should also inform the Housemaster/Housemistress that (s)he has lent money to another student and the reason given for the request.
There is really no reason why students should have to borrow, as college staff will usually be sympathetic to their cause.
Gambling is illegal in the UK under the age of 18. Students above this age are strongly advised that time spent gambling can be far more productively utilised by studying to improve their examination performance.
Students can bring international credit cards with them from abroad. However, as with all forms of plastic card, the safekeeping of them is very important. Any loss should be reported immediately, to both the card company and the Housemaster/Housemistress.
Students are expected to pay for services provided at the time they are requested. Such services typically include payment for courses during the holidays from school/college, payment for return tickets home during holidays and payment for additional items to be purchased for the student.
By granting OPDS permission to access and use the student's funds, such transfers of monies are easily and speedily facilitated.
Invoices are produced for all expenditure and returned to the students or parents at the end of each term with the Statement of Account.
Typical Costs of Some Items in the UK (in GBP):
- Light meal / snack 3.50
- 3 course meal in restaurant 10.00
- Student text book 10.00
- Pair of trainers 30.00
- Pair of jeans 30.00
- Girl's skirt 20.00
- Shirt / blouse 15.00
- Underwear 5.00
- Student briefcase 25.00
- CD 10.00
- Cinema 5.00
- Football Match 20.00