state school v independent school

melancholly

jpbeautybabe wrote: »

My daughter is very bright but can't make up our minds if private schools are wrapping children in cotton wool,as they don't experience people from all walks of life.What are your opinions/experiences of this.The school we're looking into is an all girls school.

i think it's just impossible to make generalisations.... i went to a 'private' school, all girls, on a scholarship and loved it. some people wouldn't. it's clearly not the same as an inner city state school, but was much like the exam entry state comp down the road. there were certainly more opportunities to do school trips/events that showed things some other schools wouldn't, but it depends on how you live the rest of your lives, doesn't it? i certainly wasn't wrapped in cotton wool by my family outside of school!

depends on the school, depends on the child....

badgerbread

Just thought i would update everyone as we have come to a decision. She is now going to try and get into one of the better state schools in the area (she has an interview after half term) we have then said to her that we will get her private tuition if she starts struggling. I think we are making the right decision and this way if certain universities do look on where she went to school and how well she has achieved then this would probably do her better than going private, especially as there is going to be a big decrease in universities places in the future.

devils_advocate

jpbeautybabe wrote: »

This is a very interesting thread as we too are thinking about a private school.My daughter is 11 and we are also told that 100% bursaries are available.Does anyone know what the chances are receiving these are? My daughter is very bright but can't make up our minds if private schools are wrapping children in cotton wool,as they don't experience people from all walks of life.What are your opinions/experiences of this.The school we're looking into is an all girls school.
Thanks in advance.

Who has told you about these 100% bursaries? Is it the schools themselves, or is it general gossip? If the schools, they should be able to give guidance as to what level of income qualifies for bursaries. My experience of private schools as a parent is is that there is no cotton wool - there is a lot of experience of the wider community and caring for others. But, as always, it depends on the individual school. And remember, a good state school is far far better than a bad private.

Firefly

devils_advocate wrote: »

Who has told you about these 100% bursaries? Is it the schools themselves, or is it general gossip? If the schools, they should be able to give guidance as to what level of income qualifies for bursaries. My experience of private schools as a parent is is that there is no cotton wool - there is a lot of experience of the wider community and caring for others. But, as always, it depends on the individual school. And remember, a good state school is far far better than a bad private.

It would be important for others to ask how many 100% bursaries have been offered. In my experience there isn't an income that applies and they will not let you know the 'formula' they apply perhaps because there isn't one. If they want you they'll do everything they can to make it happen, but if you aren't going to be that much of an assett they will offer you a token gesture.

A good independent school can apply whatever criteria they like re bursaries.