Private school extras fee dilemma

Spendless

I hope the OP comes back and posts soon, so we get the clarification of how old the child is and what these extras are for because they haven't been on since these questions were asked.

maman

maman wrote: »

Private schools aren't intended for people on average and below average wages.

I'm still of this opinion despite the posters arguing to the contrary. The precious few have bursaries. Traditionally they've been for the brightest pupils who would bolster exam results and most of the recent ones are because private schools are in danger of losing their charitable status. Also, I wouldn't want it to be my child who couldn't attend after school clubs or off site visits. As I said before, it can single them out as the poor relation. But it's not my child and, although I don't personally agree with paying to perpetuate privilege, if it's your money you can do what you wish with it.

Gloomendoom wrote: »

They always charged. The only difference now is who pays for it.

The same is true of all public services whether schools or doctors. They are taxpayer funded. Even now, local students don't have to pay up front just pay the taxman back at a future date.


Sadly, more and more maintained schools are making charges/asking for donations to make ends meet.:(

thorsoak

fred246 wrote: »

When I were a lad my parents never had any money. I got sent to the state university which was free. I worked hard and got a well paid job. Now I have managed to send my children to private universities. The fees are expensive at £9250 a year but I am so happy that I have the money to send them for private education. Actually it's a loan and it's the same university but it must be better now they charge for it.

[QUOTE=fred246 6:31 AM

So they always charged. The only difference now is who pays for it.
So I went to a private university without realising it? My parents would have loved to have known that they had gone private. So I did get the benefits of private education whatever that means.[/QUOTE]

Seriously? You've been to university, had a career without realising how university fees were funded/are funded now? On what planet do you live?

Mr_Costcutter

Yet another thread where the OP fails to return.

fred246

MallyGirl wrote: »

on the other hand the 2 options for my DD for 6th form are:
local grammar where A level class is up to 22 students
or
local indie where A level class is up to 9 students

That is a massive difference in teacher access time.

Class size especially at the higher ages is not particularly important. The numbers at A level are very much determined by the demand for a particular subject. Ours went through school without us ever discussing class size. I remember some friends telling us they couldn't send their daughter to our fantastic local sixth form because of class size so I think it must be something the Independents try and make out to be very important.

fred246

GwylimT wrote: »

There are five private universities in the UK, none charge fees as low as £9250 a year, I believe Buckinghams medicine course is around £35kpa. None of which were ever state funded universities.

I remember talking to my son about medicine at Buckingham. I was saying we could afford it if he wanted to go. He replied that every time you went for a job interview they'd say "Ah Buckingham University. You must be a bit thick with a rich dad".

ViolaLass

fred246 wrote: »

Class size especially at the higher ages is not particularly important. The numbers at A level are very much determined by the demand for a particular subject. Ours went through school without us ever discussing class size. I remember some friends telling us they couldn't send their daughter to our fantastic local sixth form because of class size so I think it must be something the Independents try and make out to be very important.

Research shows that reducing class sizes does not have a significant effect on progress unless you can get them under 10 or so, which independents can.

Also, private schools may be able to offer subjects that state ones can't because they can afford to fund the subjects that only a few will want to study e.g. all the sciences, more languages, Greek, Latin etc.

Fireflyaway

The cost of extras does sound a lot. My childs school has a big choice of clubs, some at lunch and some after school. They have various sports, drama, crafts, meditation, choir, D of E , debating, cooking, science etc and they are all included. Only music costs extra.
However I did notice when looking at schools how some fee structures are different. Some schools have meals included in the fees and some don't. Some have free clubs some don't. Maybe the fees at this school are lower to encourage take up and then parents decide if they want to pay for extras / lunches? Are lunches mandatory or can you take pack lunch?

fred246

ViolaLass wrote: »

Research shows that reducing class sizes does not have a significant effect on progress unless you can get them under 10 or so, which independents can.

Have you got a reference for your research?

ViolaLass

fred246 wrote: »

Have you got a reference for your research?

https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/evidence-summaries/teaching-learning-toolkit/reducing-class-size/ although I got the number wrong. Sub-20 or even sub-15 seems to be what helps.