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Original poster

Are private schools worth the money?

54 replies

Lionfish37 · 15/01/2019 12:18

Hi, this is my first post but I have lurked for a while!

My DD (16) wants to go to boarding school for 6th form, leaving her very good local comprehensive, great extra curricular opportunities and some fabulous friends. She has secured a scholarship and large bursary at the school of her choice but we would still have to pay a significant sum of money which we could probably only just afford.

We like the school she has chosen and am sure she would thrive there, but as neither my husband or I have been privately educated we’re not sure that it’s worth the fees that could be used for her at university or towards a deposit on a house. (The fees would come from inheritance not disposable income so can’t be replenished).

Is it worth investing in her future now or save the money for later in her life?

Thanks!

OP posts:
RiverTam · 15/01/2019 13:45

then I would do it - sport is one area in particular where the opportunities at an indie can far outweigh a state.

Original poster
Lionfish37 · 15/01/2019 12:36

She wants to go for several reasons. Firstly, the school is academically strong which would suit her. The sport is also a major factor as she plays two sports to a high level and they would support her with this. Finally, I think she just wants a change! She knows several people at this school who are all very happy there and believes that she will be too.

The school is only about an hour away but she’d board full time. She would have to come home every other weekend for training so she wouldn’t be gone for the term!

All opinions and advice welcome, my husband doesn’t see the point at all but I can see her making the most of every opportunity and thriving.

OP posts:
RiverTam · 15/01/2019 12:23

why does she want to go there? Hard to say without first understanding her rationale.

Thesnobbymiddleclassone · 15/01/2019 12:21

Yes they are!

My sister is very intelligent and went to a private school for 6th form and it opened so many doors for her. They offered subjects and the support from teaching staff that allowed her to go to St Andrews university (which would have been nearly impossible at her local grammar) .

Her private school also has an alumni type set up and at one of their events, she met someone who suggested she apply for a graduate scheme with the home office which she is now on and enjoying.

Her connections from the private school also helped her secure some great work placements during ehr studies including time with a top London law firm and a frim out in China over the summer.

If I had the money, I'd send DD in a heartbeat

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