Fees and charges

Essential Student Learning Items (ESLI)

Working closely with our school leadership team, the Finance Committee sets recommended a parent payment to allow us to deliver essential education resources, services and equipment.

This payment is usually around $540 per student per year.

Optional education items

These are optional costs that arise during the year, in addition to the ESLI, for example, excursions, incursions, camps, school photographs and music, debating and sport programs.

Voluntary financial contributions

Our students enjoy an extensive range of programs and services beyond those solely funded by government. A key factor in our success and the quality of our academic and co-curricular programs is the financial support of families. This support helps us to meet the diverse needs of our 1800 students.

Northcote Thrive Fund

In 2017, we established the Northcote Thrive Fund for our community to make voluntary financial contributions. We are the first school in Australia to be granted tax-deductible status for donations that allow us to:

• improve and upgrade school spaces
• purchase library resources
• fund clubs and activities
• purchase essential items, such as uniforms, books and travel cards, for students in need.

The fund consists of four voluntary financial contribution payments, three of which are tax-deductible. We recommend families donate $450 per student or $700 per family.

Payment support

We are committed to providing a fair, accessible and equitable payment system and have a Parent Payment Policy in line with the Department of Education and Training (DET) guidelines. Families with a health care card are eligible for subsidy through the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) and may be able to access other community and government assistance funds for items such as books and uniform.

We offer a range of ESLI payment arrangements and financial support options to make life easier.