In my day, Jane when money was tight in schools or so we thought then, we could still rely to an extent on a school fund that supported various clubs and it was this that helped our photography club but it may be that what was normal in terms of funding in the 60s is now a luxury that schools can't afford which is a real pity.
A school should be an all round educative experience.
The slogan I like is: "If you think education is expensive, try ignorance"
Mike