Are Private Schools worth It?

Well it’s not really about the education as much as it’s about making the contacts. I think the phrase “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know” sums it up.

If I had the money I would have sent my children to Private school and I'm sure the majority of others would do the same . Not knocking state schools but I think Private education opens more doors and gives much better opportunities in the future to the better paid jobs/careers . A select few of state educated people are lucky and make it to the top but, very few in real terms.

My close friend had her children in Private School then she met me & her went to a Catholic High School as she was Catholic as am I...

We couldn’t afford to send our children to public schools but I have a very successful nephew who did attend at considerable cost.

I think that private schools are good for those who can afford to attend. The children learn a great deal more than state schools have to offer and, as someone else mentioned above, the contacts you make are invaluable. However, this creates a two (or more) tier system whereby those at the top succeed far more often than those at the bottom. But it's not surprising that those in private school get a better education when they could only have about 9 pupils per teacher when state schools have about 30-35. The main drawback that I can see is that it is a shame that Eton only teach 'how to talk/debating' but judging by the government where a lot of them are, they aren't taught to actually do things. It's just all talk!

What we really need is access to a decent full & proper education for all.

This is highly debatable. A child that want's to learn is like a sponge they will absorb what they are taught in any school. But, a private school does it much better. There is no distraction by anyone who won't learn or has challenging behavioural and learning needs. The quality of teaching and level of teaching is better. Statistics also show that children who are educated at private schools are more successful and are highly likely to grow into higher earnening adults. The reputation and people known also helps. If it's affordable, people should opt for it. Given that a lot of people in the world don't have the opportunity to go to a state funded school, we should be thankful for the opportunity and support and push teaching the child with the school. If you can't afford a private school but your child is falling behind in a certain area, you should get private hourly tuition for that subhlject to support it.

I think it depends more on the student than the teacher where teaching is concerned

If I'm honest nope. OK there contacts but if you're going to be that person who gets anywhere you can do it regardless. Same as if you are going to going down the route of drugs. Private schools where I am, drugs are easier to get your hands on cos the parents have more money.

I think it depends on the teachers you are lucky (or unlucky) to have. There are good and bad private schools just as there are state schools. The right teacher in the right subject at the right time makes all the difference. Sadly the opposite is also true!

I have a relative who went to a cheap boarding school and they was taught: There is two type of people, one born to rule and one born to serve. They were also being taught how to walk, talk and eat properly. I could go on but I can't be bothered with the rest. Yes, this person did get a proper degree and a good job. Typical of a Labour MP trying to deprive talented or wealthy children of their rights to a proper education. PS Ignore my grammar.

I agree with many other posters that private education provides more for its students however I don't believe it should be the case. In my opinion it should be abolished and the focus put on giving a good education to all.

You would think that the education is better in private schools but the state of some of the so called privately educated people in government makes you question it.

Schools does matter I think. The opportunities and education which a child can get in private schools are not close to the state schools. If I could afford, I would definitely send my children to the private schools. they say if a child is willing, he can grasp the opportunity wherever he goes, but how many of the state schools children get those opportunities. And what is the %age if going into great jobs after private?

difference is crystal clear!