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AIBU to question rising private school fees amid declining GCSE results

386 replies

Sidedoors · 23/08/2026 16:09

Private school GCSE decline.

What happened? Is this an example of what’s to come?

Fees are rising well beyond inflation annually yet, results are in decline.

State schools prioritising, ‘reserving seats’ in house for 6th Form. Risky investment?

https://schoolsweek.co.uk/gcse-results-day-2026-6-key-trends-from-this-years-data/

AIBU to question rising private school fees amid declining GCSE results
AIBU to question rising private school fees amid declining GCSE results
AIBU to question rising private school fees amid declining GCSE results
AIBU to question rising private school fees amid declining GCSE results
OP posts:
Thread gallery
34
bedtimeaudible · 27/08/2026 22:08

😮

This is what happens when you employ “teachers” without teaching qualifications.

bedtimeaudible · 27/08/2026 22:05

Labraradabrador · 27/08/2026 20:23

You might want to reread this one OP - highlights nuance within the private sector. you could use some nuance,

Specifically highlights that standalone preps are most vulnerable for a number of reasons with VAT being a bit of a tipping point for many. The market is changing, and some schools are better positioned to adapt than others- all through schools and schools that combine boarding with day students seem to be adaptable. Some of this contraction was inevitable, some could have been avoided without the intense pressure of VAT, and I am very bitter about Labour’s callous and pointless policy even if my own school seems to be weathering just fine.

in any case, private education is not going anywhere and there is a persistent gap between what state and private provide.

I think you miss OP point.

No family paying these fees plus annual hikes will tolerate “weathering” anything.

When you take money, investment, there is an expectation attached to that. It is not about getting by. Schools must deliver in all areas. Under a Labour government. No mean feat.

bedtimeaudible · 27/08/2026 22:01

It’s true. Today’s news

Families are seeking financial advice and assessments prior to considering schools. It is a big investment, I think it’s only right to do thorough due diligence. There is a lot going on with these schools behind the scenes that they never share with families.

I think it is callous to pretend to families that everything is ok, continue to take their money then shut down a week before start of an academic year! OC The school knows the financial situation. One closed £5M in debt!

Consultants in demand as parents seek advice on private schools

https://www.thetimes.com/business/companies-markets/article/recruitment-education-consultants-private-schools-d9mjwsdkz

It is sensible to seek advice and study the books. Ask questions not rely on what the staff tell you is true.

AIBU to question rising private school fees amid declining GCSE results
Labraradabrador · 27/08/2026 20:23

Sidedoors · 27/08/2026 18:51

They’re broke,

Can’t afford to stay in LA,

Wonder if they’re on the bursary too?……

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/08/23/independent-prep-schools-private-education-harry-meghan/

You might want to reread this one OP - highlights nuance within the private sector. you could use some nuance,

Specifically highlights that standalone preps are most vulnerable for a number of reasons with VAT being a bit of a tipping point for many. The market is changing, and some schools are better positioned to adapt than others- all through schools and schools that combine boarding with day students seem to be adaptable. Some of this contraction was inevitable, some could have been avoided without the intense pressure of VAT, and I am very bitter about Labour’s callous and pointless policy even if my own school seems to be weathering just fine.

in any case, private education is not going anywhere and there is a persistent gap between what state and private provide.

Sidedoors · 27/08/2026 18:56

CatkinToadflax · 27/08/2026 08:53

OP why does this upset you so much if it’s nothing to do with you? And where did you find that a third of private school students are in hardship? I don’t mean the 1/3 on fee remissions - which could be for a variety of reasons - I mean the actual word ‘hardship’? The private school sector gets a lot of criticism for the schools with charitable status apparently not undertaking enough charitable activities. Perhaps they are trying to do more. “Another poster” on one of the very similar threads claims that all private schools are giving hefty discounts for friends and relatives of teachers. They didn’t provide any evidence though.

Personally I would love to see state schools able to provide for every student, and for private schools to gradually no longer need to exist because the state schools are so good. Unfortunately there is currently still a gap.

This drama is playing out for all to dissect,

I don’t like the misinformation people should be very aware what they commit to. Private schools are entirely dependent on Fee money, to survive.

The finances are now all being monitored more so than even just a year or two ago.

So all we need to do is wait and monitor the Data. We have a Labour government for at least the next 3 years.

So time will tell if they are able to level Up education in UK.

OP posts:
Sidedoors · 27/08/2026 18:51

They’re broke,

Can’t afford to stay in LA,

Wonder if they’re on the bursary too?……

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/08/23/independent-prep-schools-private-education-harry-meghan/

OP posts:
OP posts:
CatkinToadflax · 27/08/2026 08:53

OP why does this upset you so much if it’s nothing to do with you? And where did you find that a third of private school students are in hardship? I don’t mean the 1/3 on fee remissions - which could be for a variety of reasons - I mean the actual word ‘hardship’? The private school sector gets a lot of criticism for the schools with charitable status apparently not undertaking enough charitable activities. Perhaps they are trying to do more. “Another poster” on one of the very similar threads claims that all private schools are giving hefty discounts for friends and relatives of teachers. They didn’t provide any evidence though.

Personally I would love to see state schools able to provide for every student, and for private schools to gradually no longer need to exist because the state schools are so good. Unfortunately there is currently still a gap.

Backtoschooloncemore · 26/08/2026 13:28

Sidedoors · 26/08/2026 10:42

Your kids are the regular kids,

and everyone knows it!

(Data from your own institutions)

My kids? What do you mean by ‘regular kids’? Is this meant to be good or bad?

Labraradabrador · 26/08/2026 13:22

Sidedoors · 26/08/2026 10:38

There’s a paradox here let me explain,

Most know academia doesn’t pay,

Those who dedicate their lives to teaching know it’s not well paid whether school or uni. The pursuit of higher education comes, often with great student debt.

Often teachers, professors even can be working whilst still paying off student loans.

It’s the “academics” or those who believe they’re of superior education who will often correct on mumsnet. They can be entitled and obnoxious. The problem is more often than not these “academics” have chosen to teach not do. They often lack the funds or the finance to pay for these institutions.

More often than not a humble business owner perhaps with basic education will be financially superior as they chose to DO, not teach.

Theres a society of old school “academics” holding onto these independent institutions with a vice like grip yet, They cannot afford them.

We’re moving into a technological era where education is open to all for low cost. Education is increasingly not only for high society, it’s accessible, universal.

There is poverty within independent education just as there is wealth within state school.

Your own independent articles and data are testament to that Fact. The world has changed and it is private school being left behind, drowning in debt and financial burden.

Sounds like you despise the entire education sector, not just private

Sidedoors · 26/08/2026 10:42

Backtoschooloncemore · 26/08/2026 10:04

As these threads have progressed, I have become more convinced OP does actually have a child in private school, and may not even have a child at all, but is trying to sow resentment amongst those with children at private school.

Your kids are the regular kids,

and everyone knows it!

(Data from your own institutions)

AIBU to question rising private school fees amid declining GCSE results
AIBU to question rising private school fees amid declining GCSE results
OP posts:
Sidedoors · 26/08/2026 10:38

helenafalco · 26/08/2026 09:36

Really, they come out happier and richer??

There’s a paradox here let me explain,

Most know academia doesn’t pay,

Those who dedicate their lives to teaching know it’s not well paid whether school or uni. The pursuit of higher education comes, often with great student debt.

Often teachers, professors even can be working whilst still paying off student loans.

It’s the “academics” or those who believe they’re of superior education who will often correct on mumsnet. They can be entitled and obnoxious. The problem is more often than not these “academics” have chosen to teach not do. They often lack the funds or the finance to pay for these institutions.

More often than not a humble business owner perhaps with basic education will be financially superior as they chose to DO, not teach.

Theres a society of old school “academics” holding onto these independent institutions with a vice like grip yet, They cannot afford them.

We’re moving into a technological era where education is open to all for low cost. Education is increasingly not only for high society, it’s accessible, universal.

There is poverty within independent education just as there is wealth within state school.

Your own independent articles and data are testament to that Fact. The world has changed and it is private school being left behind, drowning in debt and financial burden.

OP posts:
Backtoschooloncemore · 26/08/2026 10:04

Missey85 · 26/08/2026 09:55

OP is worried about her child having to slum it with the regular kids 😂

As these threads have progressed, I have become more convinced OP does actually have a child in private school, and may not even have a child at all, but is trying to sow resentment amongst those with children at private school.

MsSquiz · 26/08/2026 09:56

@SidedoorsI’ll ask again, what exactly do you want to happen?

Missey85 · 26/08/2026 09:55

Labraradabrador · 26/08/2026 08:53

Why is a hardship fund a bad thing?

OP is worried about her child having to slum it with the regular kids 😂

Missey85 · 26/08/2026 09:52

Throwing money at it doesn't automatically mean your entitled to good grades? That's up to your kid not how much you spent

MeetMeOnTheCorner · 26/08/2026 09:46

@helenafalco The word was “enriched”. Not richer in a monetary sense. I don’t entirely agree they are happier - mine were privately educated and I did not necessarily see that. However they did all sorts of activities and enjoyed school. From what I saw, other dc at state schools did too but those were good schools. If you are not in a great school area, you are going to see a difference. Enrichment for dc was having inspiring visitors to dchool, lots of clubs, amazing theatre and performing opportunities , great music and sport facilities. Plus some amazing staff. There was fun and a chance to be themselves.

BustopherPonsonbyJones · 26/08/2026 09:38

Sidedoors · 26/08/2026 07:34

The only way all my circle are getting back to their 5* hotels and luxury cars is to drop the school fees (which have been economising and cutting back trips cancelled, we’re talking about local trips not international!, staff ‘covering’ co curriculars. All the last minute cancellations.

Independent schools have been living beyond their means for over a decade, they were not prepared for the VAT.

Perhaps there are some schools entirely unaffected (that goes against the ISC official data) but, let’s just imagine it’s true.

There are many, many more situations where they are receiving the constant desperate school communication where the provision has been cut to the bone. Families sharing and circulating communication. That’s just reality.

So you do you,

Allow everyone else to question the school standards, annual financial accounts and annual fee hikes.

Well, quite. People choose how to spend their money if there is no longer enough money to pay for everything. Some of those people will pay for school fees and drop the luxury cars and some won’t. You do you and accept that all your ranting isn’t going to lead to everyone doing the same as you. Make your choice and understand that you won’t have the security of all your friends making the same decision.

helenafalco · 26/08/2026 09:36

Dooferer · 23/08/2026 16:32

Parents don’t aways send kids to private schools for grades. You know that don’t you? It’s a much more enriching experience. They come out of it much happier and more confident. That probably helps them more in future life than being a few grades higher in a few subjects.

Really, they come out happier and richer??

Sidedoors · 26/08/2026 09:31

Labraradabrador · 26/08/2026 08:53

Why is a hardship fund a bad thing?

Ask the people making sacrifices to meet their full fees!!!!! Annual fee hikes to pay for it. What a ridiculous question.

The problem with independent school is that it’s not monitored, all financial decisions are entirely to their own discretion (they seem to be incredibly generous towards themselves!)

Again, deep dive into all bursary, discounts and the direction of those figures in annual accounts over the coming years, after all, that’s Fee money being used not for provision but hardship benefits. To keep kids who can’t afford to be there on the roll at your expense.

OP posts:
EweCee · 26/08/2026 09:31

Sidedoors · 26/08/2026 07:34

The only way all my circle are getting back to their 5* hotels and luxury cars is to drop the school fees (which have been economising and cutting back trips cancelled, we’re talking about local trips not international!, staff ‘covering’ co curriculars. All the last minute cancellations.

Independent schools have been living beyond their means for over a decade, they were not prepared for the VAT.

Perhaps there are some schools entirely unaffected (that goes against the ISC official data) but, let’s just imagine it’s true.

There are many, many more situations where they are receiving the constant desperate school communication where the provision has been cut to the bone. Families sharing and circulating communication. That’s just reality.

So you do you,

Allow everyone else to question the school standards, annual financial accounts and annual fee hikes.

I doubt you care as you seem intent on harassing everyone, but it does seem to be only you who is 'question(ing) the school standards, annual financial accounts and annual fee hikes.' The rest of us did our due diligence and happy to continue with our chosen schools for our children, beit private or state.

Labraradabrador · 26/08/2026 08:53

Why is a hardship fund a bad thing?

Sidedoors · 26/08/2026 07:49

BustopherPonsonbyJones · 25/08/2026 21:40

I need a car to get around. I could spend £80,000 on one or I could get one for £8,000 second hand. Some people would choose the £80,000 car and I would choose the £8,000 car. I don’t care about cars. Equally some people are happy to stay in hostels and rough it whilst travelling but I like a nice luxury hotel. Hostels and hotels both provide a place to sleep. We all spend money to suit our own preferences. You don’t want to pay for your child’s education but others prefer what an independent education provides. Your money, your choice, your prerogative, indeed.

Your problem is you don’t want it/probably can’t afford it so you don’t want anyone else to have it either, just in case your child misses out on what your friends’ children are getting. Have the courage of your convictions and use state education. 93% of people do, so you won’t be on your own, but equally a significant number will continue to use private schools even if you don’t.

The ones consolidating STILL have hardship funds, I can promise you that!! They have staff with kids who absolutely cannot afford to be there in this climate. Some selective up to 50% of the year groups! These are financial perks you can “hide” when the school is flush but the moment anything happens it stands out like a sore thumb.

Families in non transition years or exam years who can no longer meet their fees (all requiring additional financial support) These are some of the top top schools using the “broad shoulders” communication.

At the other end those schools who know very well their finances are dire, such little care and respect for students and families that they tell them all is well (these places are businesses, PR, they don’t tell the truth they do what is best for them, their own best interest-not families) leaving families high and dry a week before school return! You cannot believe a word ANY of these businesses say!

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/private-school-not-reopen-current-040000786.html

Private school will not reopen 'in its current form' from next month, parents told

A private school will not reopen after pupil numbers fell too low to remain viable.

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/private-school-not-reopen-current-040000786.html

OP posts:
Sidedoors · 26/08/2026 07:37

BustopherPonsonbyJones · 25/08/2026 21:40

I need a car to get around. I could spend £80,000 on one or I could get one for £8,000 second hand. Some people would choose the £80,000 car and I would choose the £8,000 car. I don’t care about cars. Equally some people are happy to stay in hostels and rough it whilst travelling but I like a nice luxury hotel. Hostels and hotels both provide a place to sleep. We all spend money to suit our own preferences. You don’t want to pay for your child’s education but others prefer what an independent education provides. Your money, your choice, your prerogative, indeed.

Your problem is you don’t want it/probably can’t afford it so you don’t want anyone else to have it either, just in case your child misses out on what your friends’ children are getting. Have the courage of your convictions and use state education. 93% of people do, so you won’t be on your own, but equally a significant number will continue to use private schools even if you don’t.

Those 1/3, one third, one in 3 on financial assistance The ever growing “hardship fund” are not allowed to have new cars or holidays or that makes them excluded from financial support criteria.

People are living in poverty, hardship AT independent school. Read the data from YOUR OWN representatives.

AIBU to question rising private school fees amid declining GCSE results
AIBU to question rising private school fees amid declining GCSE results
OP posts:
Sidedoors · 26/08/2026 07:34

BustopherPonsonbyJones · 25/08/2026 21:40

I need a car to get around. I could spend £80,000 on one or I could get one for £8,000 second hand. Some people would choose the £80,000 car and I would choose the £8,000 car. I don’t care about cars. Equally some people are happy to stay in hostels and rough it whilst travelling but I like a nice luxury hotel. Hostels and hotels both provide a place to sleep. We all spend money to suit our own preferences. You don’t want to pay for your child’s education but others prefer what an independent education provides. Your money, your choice, your prerogative, indeed.

Your problem is you don’t want it/probably can’t afford it so you don’t want anyone else to have it either, just in case your child misses out on what your friends’ children are getting. Have the courage of your convictions and use state education. 93% of people do, so you won’t be on your own, but equally a significant number will continue to use private schools even if you don’t.

The only way all my circle are getting back to their 5* hotels and luxury cars is to drop the school fees (which have been economising and cutting back trips cancelled, we’re talking about local trips not international!, staff ‘covering’ co curriculars. All the last minute cancellations.

Independent schools have been living beyond their means for over a decade, they were not prepared for the VAT.

Perhaps there are some schools entirely unaffected (that goes against the ISC official data) but, let’s just imagine it’s true.

There are many, many more situations where they are receiving the constant desperate school communication where the provision has been cut to the bone. Families sharing and circulating communication. That’s just reality.

So you do you,

Allow everyone else to question the school standards, annual financial accounts and annual fee hikes.

OP posts: