Private schools?

[macdonald]

Would you pay for an 11yr old girl to go to private school for a hope of a brighter future,even though it would be a struggle for 5yrs or would you stick to a state school even though the ones in your area were just average? Thanks in advance

[lindylou46]

If l could afford it, private gets my vote every time. In my opinion (and it is just my opinion) private schools seem to instil a sense of confidence in their pupils which translates to being more at ease with others.

[scottishlass89]

I think it depends on the school. I tutor students from a lot of different schools both private and state. Each school has to positives and negatives. Do they do open evenings you could attend to get a feel for the school and the staff?

[simbamad]

Two of the children I nanny for go to private school, each of them has only about 7 children in each class and I do feel they benefit from this and they have a really good bond with their teachers as do the parents.

[macdonald]

Originally Posted by scottishlass89

I think it depends on the school. I tutor students from a lot of different schools both private and state. Each school has to positives and negatives. Do they do open evenings you could attend to get a feel for the school and the staff?

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Yes have been to the open evening ,it all seems great ,just unsure if paying out all this money and struggling is a stupid idea or worth it and desperately need advice?

[princess allie]

Well I personally wouldn't go private. In my opinion a child who has the right support at home and is academically able, will do well anywhere. I wouldn't send mine private under any circumstances. My husband was sent to boarding school along with his brothers and it was an awful experience for all of them.

[lexie32]

Personally I wouldn't, my parents sent me yo private school originally as they were overseas then when my dad got a different job they struggled financially to send me there, I very much felt different to my peers as they had large houses holidays abroad, new clothes, ponies ect and I didn't, I was a latch key kid and my parents were often not home till late and had no time or energy to oversee or help with homework and I struggled. I honestly feel I would have far benefitted from going to the local school and having my mum around more to support me.
Is there anyway you could work less hours to give you child more support at home to go alongside the local school ?

[Guest]

If I could afford it without too much hardship, yes I would. The schools in my area are dire.

I know of several children who go to a nearby private and a lot more down the years and they are different caliber of kids altogether.

Quick edit: I've just read your last post, if it's going to be a struggle now, it will get much worse down the line, it gets a lot more expensive each year. I wouldn't entertain it if it would put a financial strain on the family, the repercussions from that down the line won't be good ...

Many private schools offer bursaries etc., for bright children who don't have the opportunity to attend without, it may be worth your while inquiring about this ...

[archibald]

I probably would, although only to a 'nice' school - some schools, particularly girls, have a reputation for 'less nice' students. Why only the 5 years though instead of 7, would they not go on to A level/IB?

ETA, I'm not necessarily sure that a brighter future will happen, a different future definitely, and there's always the danger that if the child is pushed through school, university could be tricky.

[WendyBelle]

If my child wasn't academically able and I could afford it comfortably then I might consider it, but would not consider it if I was going to really struggle financially, nor if my child was able. The money would be better spent with a private tutor to supplement learning at a local school. I have a neighbour who worked at a private school and has said in the past its quite often less able kids of richer parents who are sent there. There are lots of other costs to pay out as well as term fees like expensive uniforms and sports kit and expensive trips. Your choice though of course. Also need to think about social aspect not having local school friends and things like that.