School Fees

sheramber

My son works for an independent school. Money is  limited, like everything else these days.,  and there were many more applications for funded places than funding available.

Only a small number of applicants were successful due to limited funds.

MEM62

Ibrahim5 said:

Does it really matter whether you pay the teacher or the taxpayer pays the teacher?

Unfortunately, it does.  

london21

You might get some support but will likely have to contribute towards the school fees unless your child gets full scholarship.

Be mindful about your expectations and affordability.

Uncertain times and prices increasing from energy to food etc. 

oystercatcher

I believe another thing to consider with independent school is all the extras that need to be paid for , expensive trips, sports equipment, music lessons etc a child can feel very left out and maybe vulnerable to bullying if they can't have the same things as their friends.

Rambosmum

On your income, I would be exceptionally wary of going down the independent route - funding secured for one year doesn't mean you'll get it for the next. I'd hate my child to be settled then have to move 2 years down the line. 

School is so important for kids, an above poster said they're only in school 10%, but as a kid it feels like so much more than that. 

amanda_p

My neighbours daughter went to a prestigious independent school. They were high earners so fees were not a problem. However what they encountered was how privileged some of the pupils were. The Bacardi heiress offered neighbours daughter a holiday on the family yacht one summer, all 6 weeks of the school holiday. She didn't go as her parents knew they couldn't reciprocate. A long weekend in Centre Parcs just doesn't do the trick.
It is this sort of thing you have to be aware of, there will be pupils there from very wealthy families and however down to earth your daughter is there will be huge differences in backgrounds. It is not just paying the fees it is the whole differences in lifestyles that need to be considered as well.