Your post title referencing study skills is interesting.  I saw a friend who tutors GCSE students last weekend and she commented on how much easier the iGCSE exams (English literature in particular) taken at private schools are compared to the GCSEs offered in state education.  She added that the depth of understanding required in the GCSE version was much greater too - and that those in private schools really couldn't fail to achieve an 8 or 9, given the smaller classes and other advantages they enjoy.

Whereisthesummer

Personally I think you are wrong. Unless your child has special requirements , anxiety, Autism or SEN and needs a more bespoke smaller setting you are absolutely wasting your money.
My daughter passed the 11 plus from her state school with all academic scholarships. Yes she did more sport out of school but absolutely she was not behind coming from a state school. In fact she flourished by a broader curriculum rather than be prepped. Yes the preps might be a bit further ahead in extending the brighter kids as they set but the 11 plus exams are adjusted for that & once they hit secondary it’s a level playing field again.
If you are absolutely loaded so that the money is meaningless then crack on but while we could have afforded prep for all our kids we invested that money for uni and house deposits. For secondary though they are private - the exam results speak for themselves but for prep save your money - it really doesn’t matter. If they are bright they will get into the same schools - my daughter was testament to that.

I must agree with Mememe, LondonTownLady and the others who said private is definitely different and, in my experience, better. However, it's definitely not worth it if it means you put yourself in a precarious financial position.

We moved our second child half way through primary school from one of the very popular local states here to a private prep. The difference was big, especially English and writing was on a totally different level. In maths, they were put in sets and there were more sets then classes which means our child is now in a top set with only 12 children in total for maths classes. When I compare her homework to the homework our friends' children get at their state primary, the difference is very big, they are definitely a year or even more ahead (admittedly, i'm talking about the top set but, in a state primary, she would be doing the same things as others, designed for the average class ability and often played down so the weakest children can catch up and don't stay behind). The sports provision is amazing and they teach the sports that will be important in private secondary schools. Yes, you can obviously do these sports after school or on weekends but our child now ended up doing some sport every single day, apart from Fridays, which is great on many levels. Other big differences I've noticed - the art and DT lessons, the range of materials they use and the specialised teach mean that they really get excited about these classes. The same goes for drama and languages. Our daughter now loves learning languages and can't wait to do more in senior school.

Finally, there is the work ethic and attitude. It's totally different. We came from a good state primary where children came from good educated families, yet there was not the same discipline about the homework, in class learning or ambitions when it came to secondary schools. In a private prep, everyone has similar ethic and ambitions as all the children will go through 11+ and the peer pressure really helps to drive commitment. My older child is now in the second year of private secondary and I can see the difference between him and his private prep friends, perhaps at least in the first years. They hit the ground running while he struggled to come to terms with significant daily homework, organisation etc.

Yes, it's not amazing seeing money leave your account every term... But it makes me a bit sad when I see people saying that the primary school stage sort of "doesn't matter"... As previous posters said, I think this is when their personality and attitudes are formed and I think it's massively important

I must agree with Mememe, LondonTownLady and the others who said private is definitely different and, in my experience, better. However, it's definitely not worth it if it means you put yourself in a precarious financial position.

We moved our second child half way through primary school from one of the very popular local states here to a private prep. The difference was big, especially English and writing was on a totally different level. In maths, they were put in sets and there were more sets then classes which means our child is now in a top set with only 12 children in total for maths classes. When I compare her homework to the homework our friends' children get at their state primary, the difference is very big, they are definitely a year or even more ahead (admittedly, i'm talking about the top set but, in a state primary, she would be doing the same things as others, designed for the average class ability and often played down so the weakest children can catch up and don't stay behind). The sports provision is amazing and they teach the sports that will be important in private secondary schools. Yes, you can obviously do these sports after school or on weekends but our child now ended up doing some sport every single day, apart from Fridays, which is great on many levels. Other big differences I've noticed - the art and DT lessons, the range of materials they use and the specialised teach mean that they really get excited about these classes. The same goes for drama and languages. Our daughter now loves learning languages and can't wait to do more in senior school.

Finally, there is the work ethic and attitude. It's totally different. We came from a good state primary where children came from good educated families, yet there was not the same discipline about the homework, in class learning or ambitions when it came to secondary schools. In a private prep, everyone has similar ethic and ambitions as all the children will go through 11+ and the peer pressure really helps to drive commitment. My older child is now in the second year of private secondary and I can see the difference between him and his private prep friends, perhaps at least in the first years. They hit the ground running while he struggled to come to terms with significant daily homework, organisation etc.

Yes, it's not amazing seeing money leave your account every term... But it makes me a bit sad when I see people saying that the primary school stage sort of "doesn't matter"... As previous posters said, I think this is when their personality and attitudes are formed and I think it's massively important

I must agree with Mememe, LondonTownLady and the others who said private is definitely different and, in my experience, better. However, it's definitely not worth it if it means you put yourself in a precarious financial position.

We moved our second child half way through primary school from one of the very popular local states here to a private prep. The difference was big, especially English and writing was on a totally different level. In maths, they were put in sets and there were more sets then classes which means our child is now in a top set with only 12 children in total for maths classes. When I compare her homework to the homework our friends' children get at their state primary, the difference is very big, they are definitely a year or even more ahead (admittedly, i'm talking about the top set but, in a state primary, she would be doing the same things as others, designed for the average class ability and often played down so the weakest children can catch up and don't stay behind). The sports provision is amazing and they teach the sports that will be important in private secondary schools. Yes, you can obviously do these sports after school or on weekends but our child now ended up doing some sport every single day, apart from Fridays, which is great on many levels. Other big differences I've noticed - the art and DT lessons, the range of materials they use and the specialised teach mean that they really get excited about these classes. The same goes for drama and languages. Our daughter now loves learning languages and can't wait to do more in senior school.

Finally, there is the work ethic and attitude. It's totally different. We came from a good state primary where children came from good educated families, yet there was not the same discipline about the homework, in class learning or ambitions when it came to secondary schools. In a private prep, everyone has similar ethic and ambitions as all the children will go through 11+ and the peer pressure really helps to drive commitment. My older child is now in the second year of private secondary and I can see the difference between him and his private prep friends, perhaps at least in the first years. They hit the ground running while he struggled to come to terms with significant daily homework, organisation etc.

Yes, it's not amazing seeing money leave your account every term... But it makes me a bit sad when I see people saying that the primary school stage sort of "doesn't matter"... As previous posters said, I think this is when their personality and attitudes are formed and I think it's massively important

We moved our child for Yr 6 from an ‘Outstanding’ state primary. We’d been happy with it but our child was starting to not do her best in a class of 32 (including 2 with very special needs). We noticed a Massive difference in her learning in yr 6 at the independent school, and the sport was at another level.

I would say stay state til 10 and then go for a through school that takes away all the 11+ stress. Something to really bear in mind is the amount of time that lots of non through private schools spend on purely prepping for 11+- there is no love of learning, just pure exam prep.

Also, preps have a wide catchment area so you won’t have as many local friends.

Best to go to a local primary and then move later.

We had same debate at home.. and I was going to give a long explanation as to why we went private but ultimately the truth is if you can afford the fees then just do it. The kids get challenged and supported in a way that you can’t expect from a school that has 30 kids per class. Like your husband says it’s not just about education but also the attitude and outlook that school and the environment they’re in instills in them which is super informative during these early years where their personalities are forming.

By the way if you then decide to go private you then have to pick which school best suit your family.. education wise they’re similar in terms of results however they all provide different life experiences for sure. Good luck with your decision.

School wrote:
> Hightrees spot on.
>
> Please note they do not dispute that independent primary may be the better
> product but that actually the cost difference is largely not worth it.
>
> Yes you'll need a bit of chiefly English tutoring for indie exams in y5/y6
> but the idea that all indie kids are a year ahead at this age is for the
> birds. Several indie secondary schools try to actively recruit 50% state
> intake (as yourself why that is)
> Math teaching often better in state for example at y3 you may be wondering
> why your state child isn't apparently doing the same topics as your indie
> friend but watch them catch up and exceed in KS2

TBH I disagree with all of this.

State schools do not prepare them for 11+ exams, nor do they give a reference for Yr chosen private secondary. They don't teach reasoning either which is a big part of the exam.

Private school kids are more than a year ahead, they do this to enable the last 12 months before exams to have already done all the work needed so it's just practice and techniques.

Private independents take 30-50% from state because they have to. Just think what percentage go to private primary and how much more likely they are to get in ....

Maths teaching and level,attained is more to do with the individual child. If they ate behind in private they will be taken and taught individually.

This does all depend on which private primary you choose, they're not all the same. Please visit and pick where you like and get a good feel for. Also check your local state primary destination schools, most have a very small percentage who go private - very important!

Msg me if you need, I went thru this myself locally and also my kids more recently.

I actually had to move mine from private to state because of financial reasons. I was really apprehensive about it. But we have a wonderful state primary and my kids have done brillantly in there. We still see a lot of our friends from the private school and the reality is that I see zero difference in levels.

Hi Checked Pyjamas,

As a parent and an educator, I understand how tricky this decision is - particularly if you and your partner are looking at it from different perspectives. 

My partner and I have stewed over this decision, and I'd love to offer a chat to support - both as a Mum and as someone who runs a tuition business. 

Either way, it's important that you remember that like every child is unique, every family is too; what works for others might not be the best bet for you and considerations such as the quality of the state schools, your child's learning style /birthday and other avenues you'd like to introduce them to should all be part of your decision.  If you'd like to chat, feel free to reach out to me: naomi@thebrainery.co.uk

Best,

Naomi
www.thebrainery.co.uk

I come at this from two angles - 
1) As a Financial Adviser - if you have to think about the cost of a private primary school, you need to properly drill down into the numbers. As the others say above, it may be better save it for secondary school which will have a much greater impact on their life through their peers and ability to go to University.
2) As a Dad to two young daughters - there are some fantastic primary schools in SW London and the children benefit from experiencing a diversity of demographic that they will most likely miss at a fee paying school. 

If you want any help on point 1 please drop me a line, our cash flow modelling tool is extremely useful at mapping out the affordability of school fees. We can also help with putting a savings plan to assist with payment in future years.
Andrew Rankin Enquiries — Westminster Wealth Management (westminster-wealth.com) 

One more thing - bear in mind that fees are likely to go up 20% with a changing of the guard in Downing Street.

I'm a fan of education of any sort but its difficult to comment as we don't know anything about your childs level or whether you can or can't find a good state primary. It sounds like you are worried your child will fall behind in state school?

I do think generally its a waste of money to pay primary education if you think you are getting something better. I have noticed that in an attempt to get 'one-up' in some way, some parents go alternative or 'other private' and literacy and reading can actually fall below the average, which might give rise to issues at secondary.
And if we pay, it might mean the parent feel they can relax back and not do much reading and so on at home (not saying that's your case)
In my daughters state primary the parents were very supportive of their child, encouraged by the school, played a part in their education and keen for progress. They didn't assume everything of the school.

For basics or any child struggling, state schools provide reading support with volunteers and so on, if that's needed. A bright child won't be held back either. A good school will take this all very seriously.
So in my opinion it is not going to give any advantage and will deplete your savings.

Secondary, or post-GCSE for sure is a different matter.

Also, money-wise, if they go to University, there is rental accommodation, living expenses,travel expense, clothing etc for 3-4 years after 18 regardless of whether your child takes available student loan (everyone does pretty much), but the loan does not cover everything and they need extra from parents.

Hightrees spot on.

Please note they do not dispute that independent primary may be the better product but that actually the cost difference is largely not worth it.

Yes you'll need a bit of chiefly English tutoring for indie exams in y5/y6 but the idea that all indie kids are a year ahead at this age is for the birds. Several indie secondary schools try to actively recruit 50% state intake (as yourself why that is)
Math teaching often better in state for example at y3 you may be wondering why your state child isn't apparently doing the same topics as your indie friend but watch them catch up and exceed in KS2

HightreesHouse couldn't have said it better, thanks for sharing your experience.

For what I see, comparing my very clever summer child that goes to a state school with her nursery friends that went to independent, there's no difference at all in learning in the first years. I think learning to read at 4-5yo is ridiculous, they're not prepared at all and despite all the million extra books and exercises that her friends get, she's actually better at them with reading/writing/maths.

My husband and I believe that our children should have time to be children and not have planned activities all the time. They get too tired at this age and get to a point that they can't focus anymore.

That being said, the older they get the relaxed atmosphere in class changes, with more homework and more responsibilities and at that point we'll probably introduce more extra resources to prepare for the 11+.

Also keep in mind that independent schools have longer holidays, so you need to take all the extra money that will go to holiday camps into account.

The most important thing is to choose the best school for your child’s personality and I'm sure there are plenty of wonderful state schools in our area. If you choose to go independent, make sure you have enough money to not change your lifestyle and that your child won't feel they're the poorer of their friends as it could affect their mental health.

Both my kids are now in private schools for secondary and I would say there is no difference between the kids that were educated in the state system until 11 and those privately educated.

If money is tight then go state (as long as the state option is good!) and either transition at 8 or 11.

The 11+ system of entry into secondary is brutal though!