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Original poster

Private schools - what are the long term benefits?

108 replies

lme30005 · 06/07/2011 14:34

Hi
Hoping someone who has been through private schools or their DC's, can give me some insight.
I am thinking of putting my DS's name down for a private school to start in year 7, and he would be followed by his siblings. I'm trying to justify the huge costs incurred by putting them all through private education. Obviously the main benefits will be smaller class sizes, better facilities, better results hopefully. But what would the long term benefits be? Would they actually do better after school, in jobs etc? And would there be any negative things about them going private? I'm a little worried that they may not be much better off long term than going to the local very average comp.
Thanks
Louise

OP posts:
Pagwatch · 06/07/2011 15:42

What sort of things?

A decent school will discuss with you a full range of extra curricula activities that broaden a childs interests and can lead them into other things outside school. A school that has extensive sporting and musical tuition is an obvious one.
A good school will also advertise it's leavers destinations which is useful.

Is that what you mean?

Original poster
lme30005 · 06/07/2011 15:11

I absolutely agree that it's about finding the best school for your child. I have visited a few private schools and found them to differ quite a lot. I feel private would be good for my first DC because he's quite bright, gets bored, and needs stretching to keep him interested. My second DC is quite lazy and needs a lot of motivation and smaller class sizes may suit him better.
The point I am trying to make is, after the good schooling which they will hopefully enjoy, will they get other benefits out of going private ie more opportunities to go places/experience different things which will then carry them on to the next stage in their lives, whatever that may be?

OP posts:
Pagwatch · 06/07/2011 15:01

Ime30005.

I don't really understand your point.
I put two of my children in private schools because having investigated, visited, asked about, toured and researched all the schools available to them, they were the best ones.
I had a clear idea of what I wanted the schooled for my dcs to provide, the atmosphere I hoped for and sensible answers to the questions I had about certain issues that mattered to me. I also wanted my dcs to like the school.

It is about resarching the schools available and choosing the one that feels the best fit for your child. Not taking a punt because it's private so....

belledechocchipcookie · 06/07/2011 14:56

It depends on the child. You can't buy a good future for them, they have to put the work in. I wouldn't send a child to a private school if I was just looking at any long term 'gains' as it's too much of a gamble. Not all private schools are good schools so you may be wasting your money if this is your priority.

Amaretti · 06/07/2011 14:54

Sorry - kids private come hell or high water

Amaretti · 06/07/2011 14:53

No. Some people assume private must be better and send their ids private cone he'll or high water. You have to look at the individual schools.

Original poster
lme30005 · 06/07/2011 14:52

Thanks. Does that mean it would be a big risk to put them in a private school? Or should I be more confident if I choose a school with good results/reputation? Surely most people putting their kids in private schools assume they would be better off and would never take the risk if they thought it wouldn't work out?

OP posts:
Pagwatch · 06/07/2011 14:38

It depends absoloutely entirely and completely upon the individual school.

Your question is like "is eating out worth it?". Depends where you eat.

I am not being rude. But your question is impossible to answer. All private schools are not the same. Sone are good, some are shit. And all points in-between.

In fact. If anyone can give you a 'yes it is worth it' or ' no it is not' I would strongly suggest that you ignore them