Why we need a premises fund

St Joseph's is a voluntary aided schools and in voluntary aided schools:

• The land and buildings are normally owned by a voluntary organisation, usually a church, but the governing body is responsible for running the school.
• The school is funded partly by the local education authority, partly by the governing body and partly by the voluntary organisation

In our case the buildings are owned by the Westminster Diocese. Although our operating budget is funded by the DfES, the school community generally has to meet 10% of costs related to any building works undertaken. Like most Catholic schools, we seek to offset such costs through a Premises Fund, set up as a means by which parents can make contributions. Contributions from parents would help us to improve the security of the school site, help repair the recent damage and prepare for a much needed general refurbishment of school premises.

The most effective way for you to make a contribution to the Fund would be to establish a standing order from your bank account complemented by a gift-aid declaration, which would allow income tax paid by you to be reclaimed by the Fund. The appropriate forms are available from the link below and, if you need further advice or guidance, please contact Ishmael Edwards, via the school office.