The Funding of Places for Children and Young People

The Portal operates a multi-tiered funding model designed to ensure financial sustainability while keeping democratic education accessible to all children and young people, regardless of background or financial circumstances.

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The Funding of Places for Children and Young People

 

The Portal operates a resilient, multi-tiered funding model designed to ensure financial sustainability while keeping democratic education accessible to all children and young people, regardless of background or financial circumstances.

 

1.Self-Funded Places

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Families who are able to pay full fees can cover the standard annual cost of £8,500, aligned closely to the mainstream state school per-pupil funding rate.

 

2.Sliding Scale & Voluntary Contributions

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For families unable to cover full fees, flexible partial-payment options and voluntary contributions allow parents to contribute according to their household means.

 

3. Dedicated Bursary & Subsidised Places

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To guarantee equity of access, a dedicated fundraising role is embedded within the organisation to secure ongoing donations and charitable support earmarked specifically for subsidised and fully funded places.

 

4. Grant-Making Trusts & Foundations

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Targeted applications are submitted to charitable trusts and educational foundations that invest in innovative learning, social inclusion, and community-led educational models.

 

5. Community Investment (Community Shares)

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Where additional capital or bursary funds are required, a Community Share offer will be launched, allowing local supporters and community members to invest directly in the organisation under our Community Benefit Society structure.

 

6. Local Authority Commissioning

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When Children’s Services request placements for children and young people, the local authority funds the place (including any associated Pupil Premium). Fees are capped to ensure they do not exceed standard local authority placement costs.

 

7. Department for Education (DfE) Direct Funding

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As The Portal demonstrates strong educational outcomes and operational success, long-term options for direct central government funding or recognised alternative provision status through the DfE will be actively pursued.

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