The High Court has upheld a private school’s decision to increase fees by six per cent for the 2026/2027 academic year after two parents challenged the move.
The parents had gone to court arguing that the school introduced the new charges without proper consultation through a legally recognised Parents Association.
They also questioned whether the parents’ body was properly constituted and operating in line with the Basic Education Act.
The school, however, told the court that the increase had been approved during an Annual General Meeting held in May, which was attended by parents and learners.
The institution also said parents were informed about the new fees about three months before they took effect.
The school attributed the increase to rising operating costs, including staff salaries, learning materials, technology, maintenance and improvements to its facilities.
In its ruling, the High Court dismissed the petition and upheld the school’s decision. Each side was ordered to meet its own legal costs.
The court found that the parents had the right to bring the case and that their constitutional concerns could be considered by the High Court.
However, the judge said the evidence presented showed that the school had followed the required process before approving the six per cent increase.
“The 1st Respondent being a private institution retains autonomy and power to maintain standards in the course of studies which confers it the authority to increase fees payable as long as procedure is followed. I therefore uphold the decision of the 1st Respondent,” the judge ruled.
The court also found that the parents had not proved that the school had violated their constitutional rights through the fee increase.
The ruling therefore affirmed that private schools have room to review their fees, provided they follow the applicable procedures.
The case comes as parents continue to raise concerns over increasing school fees and the financial pressure of meeting education costs.
Other schools have also faced challenges over fee increases, including Parklands Baptist School and Alliance Girls’ High School.