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Original poster

State school waiting lists and rising independent school costs

30 replies

AntediluvianViews · 23/07/2026 19:46

Congratulations all parents/carers who have secured placement for their families in Outstanding or good state schools over Independents for the coming years.

Oh how jealous we private school parents are!

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2026/07/21/new-education-secretary-backed-more-taxes-on-private-school/

Hoping to secure a place currently on waiting list. Fingers crossed! It’s going to be a long (costly) three years ahead at all independent schools! Enter - Lucy Powell and Labour 3 years to go. Lucy Powell.

OP posts:
Original poster
AntediluvianViews · 24/07/2026 09:57

Obanotters · 24/07/2026 07:52

The state system is not equal for all. Labour MPs have a knack of getting their children into very high performing state schools that are not an option for most people. Lucy Powell herself attended a state sixth form that got multiple people into Oxbridge each year. I am not sure if my school ever did and mine was the better of the two state schools in my town by quite a bit. It is very easy to be principled about state education when your children get to attend good schools without having to pay for it.

It’s a lottery. There are some fantastic state schools. I suppose that’s why at point of house hunting “great school catchment” is often so desirable.

Those who planned ahead are definitely in the best position now. A couple of years ago private schools could never have imagined this current financial situation. Neither could parents who signed up. I wish I had put my children to a great state school. Now that will be harder to achieve as it’s what so many are seeking.

OP posts:
Original poster
AntediluvianViews · 24/07/2026 09:53

SadiraOfTyr · 23/07/2026 23:59

Not sure what you are on about and I can’t read that article as it’s behind a paywall, but schools where I am, and in many other parts of the country, are undersubscribed and infants schools are at risk of closing through lack of pupils - two village schools near us have already closed.

I don’t live in a village.

Talk amongst parents is their happiness to have their children in great state schools, excited for September. Talk amongst the parents of the school my dc attends is the worry of how to cover next years fee increases.

The observation is that of the state/private divide for September. There are definitely waiting lists for the good state schools here and there have been long before VAT.

OP posts:
Obanotters · 24/07/2026 07:52

The state system is not equal for all. Labour MPs have a knack of getting their children into very high performing state schools that are not an option for most people. Lucy Powell herself attended a state sixth form that got multiple people into Oxbridge each year. I am not sure if my school ever did and mine was the better of the two state schools in my town by quite a bit. It is very easy to be principled about state education when your children get to attend good schools without having to pay for it.

Funkylights · 24/07/2026 00:35

Agree. No idea what the point is. Lucy Powell has her beliefs on equal education for all. She has kids in state system and is a product of it herself

SadiraOfTyr · 23/07/2026 23:59

Not sure what you are on about and I can’t read that article as it’s behind a paywall, but schools where I am, and in many other parts of the country, are undersubscribed and infants schools are at risk of closing through lack of pupils - two village schools near us have already closed.

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