Cost of the School Day
Talking about money can be difficult. Not talking about money may mean missing out on help available and may cause stress and feelings of loneliness if you feel unable to talk about money when struggling with costs. It may also affect how young people feel at school. We want every family at Braes to know support is available to reduce the cost of the school day and to help maximise income for families. Our Cost of the School Day section of the school website is full of helpful information about financial support available and how to access support including email links to get in touch. We want to make sure every Braes family feels part of our school community and that every young person has the same opportunity to reach their potential for excellence at Braes.
As part of our work on reducing the Cost of the School Day Braes is featured as a Case Study in Child Poverty Action Group’s latest resource “Talking about Costs and Money at School”. You can read and watch more here
Braes Backpacks
Braes Backpacks are available to all new S1 pupils and will be provided before the start of the new school year. These backpacks have been put together by our Senior pupils and contain everything you need for a positive start at Braes, including some helpful advice from our S6 Leavers.
If you would like to sign up for a Braes Backpack email HERE
FAB Uniform Exchange
Our parents group, Friends at Braes, run a successful uniform exchange in school. If your child requires any item of school uniform, there is a room full of freshly laundered clothing available. This is a confidential service and you can request items by emailing HERE
Extra-Curricular events, Trips, etc.
Braes Onwards & Upwards programme has Pupil Equity Funding available from the Scottish Government to support families with the cost of school. If you are struggling to meet the ever increasing costs of your child’s uniform, trips, extra-curricular activities etc. you can request support for Funding from the Onwards & Upwards programme by emailing HERE
If you would like support funding a trip please email HERE
If you would like support with the cost of items required for a specific subject email HERE
Pop-Up Shops
As part of our programme to reduce, reuse and recycle at Braes we have recently introduced clothing pop-up shops. These events provide FREE and high quality clothing for pupils and their families. You can view our items for our latest pop-up shop HERE
If you would like support with non-uniform clothing items please email HERE
Breakfast Club
Our award-winning Breakfast Club is open to all pupils every Wednesday and Friday. Pupils entitled to FSM are also able to get a free breakfast.
For help with breakfast club please email HERE
Digital Learning
We have a limited number of digital devices available for our young people to use to support Home Learning. These devices are available to young people as part of our Onwards & Upwards programme.
If you would like more information on this programme please email HERE
Free School Meals
Depending on your income and circumstances, we can provide Free School Meals and payment towards the cost of school clothing and footwear (Clothing Grants) to the value of £165.00 per child/per year
For more information regarding the qualifying criteria and how to apply please visit our webpage and FAQ’s here
Please be aware that pupils who turn 16 on or before 30th September of the relevant school year, will not be eligible for an award of clothing grant but should apply for Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) instead.
Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)
EMA is a weekly allowance of £30 during term time which is available to pupils aged 16-19 depending on their household income and circumstances.
For more information regarding the qualifying criteria and how to apply please visit our webpage and FAQ’s here.
Please Note - A new application form needs to be submitted each year, so pupils currently receiving EMA will need to re-apply if they are returning to school after the summer holidays.
Scottish Child Payment
Scottish Child Payment helps towards the costs of supporting your family. It's a weekly payment of £27.15 that you might be able to get for every child you look after who's under 16 years of age. You'll get the payment every 4 weeks if your application is successful.
You can find more information regarding the qualifying criteria and how to apply here
Household Support Officer
All our families at Braes are supported by a Household Support Officer from Advice Services in Falkirk Council. Our HSO is available to meet with Parents/Carers to maximise income and ensure families receive all benefits they are entitled to. They can also provide advice on debt. Appointments can take place online, by phone, or in person. Should you need access to a device for your appointment you can come into school where you’ll be given a device and private space for your appointment. If you would like to make an appointment please contact: HERE
Please get in touch to let us know how we can best support your family and ensure your young person has what they need to succeed at Braes.