PARENTS at a Catholic primary school in Bournemouth have said they felt “pressured” to pay £50 a year to keep their child’s place.

A letter sent to all parents at Corpus Christi school states that part of the “deal” of attending a Catholic school is the parental contribution to the School Building Fund.

The letter signed by Headmaster Declan Goodwin said: “One of the stipulations of attending a Catholic School is the contribution to the School Building Fund, expected from the parents of children who attend.”

Parents are expected to pay £5 per month spread over a full calendar year – excluding December and January – to cover the cost of any refurbishment or improvement works on the school building and grounds.

Matt Clarke, who has a friend with a child at the school, said: “Does this mean that Catholic schools are now able to charge and only those who agree to pay will be offered places?

“Many parents were upset at the tone of this letter.”

A concerned mother, who wished to remain anonymous, added: “We had no idea that we would be expected to pay £50 each year and felt under a lot of pressure to pay the required amount.

“I was worried my daughter might lose her place if we didn’t pay.”

The letter was sent out as a regular reminder to parents and said that there were many families who failed to pay, resulting in the school falling short of the required amount of funds.

Mr Goodwin said: “The parental contribution then helps pay our percentage of any proposed works such as classroom and playground improvements for the benefit of the children’s education.

“This is a voluntary contribution and we always know that some parents cannot afford to pay this.”