Cost of the School Day
Every young person deserves to feel included, supported and able to take part fully in school life, whatever their circumstances.
All requests are handled sensitively and discreetly.
At Coatbridge High School, we know that the cost of the school day can add up.
Uniform, food, stationery, travel, trips and school events can all place extra pressure on families. We want every young person to feel included, supported and able to take part fully in school life.
That is why we try to make practical support available in school and make it as easy as possible for pupils and families to ask for help.
If you or your child need support, you can speak to the Pupil Support Team or use our Discreet Support Request Form below.
‘Cost of The School Day’ How can we help you? – Fill in form
Support Available in School
We currently offer:
- Breakfast ‘Grab and Go’ bags from the Pupil Support Office
- A school uniform bank
- Stationery for pupils who need it
- A PE T-shirt provided free of charge to every S1 pupil
- Support with prom clothing
- Free sanitary products
- Hygiene items for pupils who need them
If your child would benefit from any of these supports, please contact the Pupil Support Team or complete our Discreet Support Request Form. We will always deal with requests sensitively and discreetly.
Uniform
We know that school uniform can be a significant expense, particularly when young people grow quickly or items need replacing. Our school uniform bank has pre-loved items available for pupils who need them.
If uniform is becoming difficult to manage, please let us know. We will always try to help where we can. We want all pupils to be able to take part fully in PE. Every S1 pupil at Coatbridge High School is provided with a PE T-shirt free of charge.
Breakfast and Everyday Essentials
A good start to the day can make a real difference to learning and concentration.
Our Breakfast ‘Grab and Go’ bags are available from the Pupil Support Office for pupils who need them.
Trips, Clubs and Activities
We want pupils to be able to enjoy the wider opportunities available at Coatbridge High School. If the cost of a school trip, club, activity or event is causing difficulty, please speak to us.
We may not always be able to remove every cost, but we will always try to explore what support may be available and help families where we can. No pupil should feel that they cannot take part because of cost.
Travel
Travel can also add to the cost of the school day.
Young people aged 5 to 21 who live in Scotland can travel free on most bus services using a valid National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot NEC.
This can help reduce the cost of travelling to and from school, clubs, activities and appointments.
Financial Support for Families
There is also a range of financial support available to families through North Lanarkshire Council and the Scottish Government.
We have included some useful links below.
| Support Available | How It Can Help | Information |
|---|---|---|
| Free School Meals & Clothing Grant | Help with school meals and clothing costs for eligible families. | View Details ↗ |
| Scottish Child Payment | Financial support for eligible families with children. | View Details ↗ |
| Child Disability Payment | Help with additional costs associated with caring for a disabled child or young person. | View Details ↗ |
| Education Maintenance Allowance | Financial support for eligible young people continuing their education after age 16. | View Details ↗ |
| Young Carer Grant | Financial support for eligible young carers aged 16, 17 or 18. | View Details ↗ |
| Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel | Free travel on most bus services for eligible Scottish residents aged 5–21 using a valid NEC. | View Details ↗ |
| Scottish Welfare Fund | Crisis Grants and Community Care Grants for people experiencing financial difficulty. | View Details ↗ |
Please Speak to Us
Sometimes family circumstances change, and sometimes people simply need a little extra support. If the cost of uniform, food, stationery, travel, trips, activities, prom or any other part of school life is causing concern, please speak to us.
You can contact the Pupil Support Team or use our Discreet Support Request Form.
All conversations and requests will be treated sensitively and confidentially.
We want every young person at Coatbridge High School to be able to take part fully in school life, whatever their circumstances.
