Private or comprehensive school?

Question

Is it better to save like mad & send your kid to a private school with the hope of giving them a really good start in life, or send them to government school & still go on holiday & buy latest gadgets etc?

Answer 1

I'd say save and at the same time try and get them into a comp school. If you can't get them into a comp school put them into a private school.

If you do get them into a comp school, use the money you have saved as a deposit for a buy to let which you can give to your child later.

I am sure it would make it easier to get them on the housing ladder.

Answer 2

This really does depend on what your local state schools are achieving for their students and, more importantly, what your children will repond to best. There is a case for sending them to state schools and topping up their education where necessary, but that is hardly pointful if their school is doing little to fulfil their needs. Similarly, if your kids are going to be high achievers, their grades need to be supported by the sort of social development that will take them smoothly into a good uni and beyond. It's not easy to tell how they are going to turn out, so why not give them a chance in state and then consider going private for secondary? If you want to invest in their future now, then myabe you'll have to get involved in the postcode lottery now! it is a sad fact of life today that you can't just leave your kid's education in the hands of the school, but that our good state schools are excellent. On the other hand, there's no doubt that a cracking good school makes a massive difference to kid's expectations of everything - they don't get ambition from nowhere. But they must be happy - otherwise whatever you do will be wrong. Don't rush - there are still scholarships available for some private schools and that may be a possible.

Answer 3

I know plenty of people that haven't been harmed by a state education!!

I taught in a private primary school for 2 years and to start with the tiny class sizes and immaculate manners seemed great. Then you realise that the children miss out on a lot because their parents are working every hour making enough money to send them there. There's a lot to be gained from out of school activities and quality time with parents. There are some private schools that are out to make a profit so the hard earned cash you would be providing them with go into the pockets of the directors rather than to providing the best equipment for your child.

Just because you are paying for an education, doesn't mean you are getting the best. Stick with the state, it's not all bad, and spend some time with your children. Take them to the museum, to the park and abroad. Talk to them. That's free.

Answer 4

I would just send them to very good comprehensive school, because it doesn't really sound like you are well off enough to send them to private school. You shouldn't make such huge sacrifices for the sake of a private education. I'm not against private schools; if I ever had kids and could afford it I would send my kids to a private school. However I wouldn't risk getting in debt if I didn't have the money to send them to private school, and thus would just settle for one of top comprehensives.

Answer 5

Right now, you can send kids to a good primary non-fee paying school, to see how it works out, and save the money, and if you feel that they may be better off in a private fee paying school later on in their education, then you will have the money available to pay. If you feel that their education is well catered for in the state system you can then BLOW the savings, and have fun doing it !!!!!

Answer 6

I would send them to a very good state school and save the money. You don't HAVE to spend it!

My daughter went to a state school, got A* in almost everything and went to Cambridge.

Answer 7

id say comprehensive!!!and u can still afford him tat psp hes always wanted..................