Enforcing return of personal property?

[nicolee2931]

Hi I'm hoping someone can advise on how best to proceed on the following matter.

 

My youngest son left school last year, and is currently in his first year of college. However he is still yet to receive his examination certificates.

 

We contacted the school just before christmas as to why his certificates had not arrived and we were told, his certificates had not been release because I allegedly owe £50.00 in transport fees from his time at the school.

 

This is totally wrong, the coach fees which they refer to are paid per term. In the last term of his study at the school, he did not use the school coach service, we took him ourselves and picked him up as he was on study leave and the times he had to be in school were outside the operation hours of the school coach service.

 

Last week I issued an ultimatum to the school via e-mail, I stated that they (the school) had no right to prejudice our son because of their belief we owed the school money from transport costs. I stated either release the certificates within 10 working days or i'll use the court process to get his property back.

 

I would be grateful if someone could advise on the next step as I have a feeling they want court papers to land on the headmasters desk, I feel I have done all I can to get his property back including speaking on the phone to the headmasters secretary right through to writing and e-mailing the school, as so far they are sticking to their promise of not releasing the certificates.

 

I have contacted the local education authority and they won't get involved as the school is an academy and falls outside their ability to get involved in the matter.

 

So it is my belief court is the only available option to me, but I am unsure how to go about it as it is a non money claim and I am not sure which forms I should use or the correct process.

 

Any advice most welcome.

[silverfox1961]

Hi

While this link may end up as being of little use as it deals with universities, there may be something in it that you can use.

 

http://www.oft.gov.uk/news-and-updates/press/2014/09-14

[nicolee2931]

Thanks for the link, I've had a look and I'll follow that line of enquiry on Monday, however I've noticed the OFT is dis-banded after 31st March 2014 so I'm not sure what will happen after that date.

 

However if the worst came and I had to use the court service to seek redress, what avenues could I seek to ensure property is returned, and sends a clear message to the school that this practise of withholding certificates is unjustly unfair to pupils. As I'm sure my son is not the only one to be affected.