I teach in an independent school AMA

[CraftyGin]

Just as the title says.

But your children have not worked hard to be your children, so they are getting something which poorer children don't get through no merit/fault of their own.
And anyway, lots of people work hard and don't earn much. Statistically speaking, the same amount of hard work will yield much greater financial results to those with a private education than to those without, since they are starting from a better place. So your idea that your having worked hard makes it fair for your children to have a better education than most poorer children is flawed in two respects.

Do you teach primary students?

If so: Is a private primary school much better than a small good state school with with well behaved kids? Are primary children in large classes at a disadvantage to students in small classes, even where strong and positive parental support is available at home?

I teach in senior school at the moment, although have been Director of Studies in an all-through school and have been a specialist Teacher at two traditional prep schools.

I think an independent school is better than a primary school because of the diversity of opportunities for specialist teaching (eg science, DT, music), and onsite extra-curriculars.

However, I would say that if money is tight, save it for senior school.

But your children have not worked hard to be your children, so they are getting something which poorer children don't get through no merit/fault of their own.
And anyway, lots of people work hard and don't earn much. Statistically speaking, the same amount of hard work will yield much greater financial results to those with a private education than to those without, since they are starting from a better place. So your idea that your having worked hard makes it fair for your children to have a better education than most poorer children is flawed in two respects.

A lot of schools provide meaningful bursaries for worthy children whose parents cannot afford fees.

In what ways (if any) does the curriculum differ from state education? Does your school teach Latin/classics and what benefits do you think this provides?

My current school does not. I did Latin last century and it helped with my English vocabulary, and general making the brain work. One of mine did Latin in prep school, but the rest have not touched it.

For 'worthy' children?! In what respect? Cleverer? More moral?! Why is a less intelligent, less socially advantaged child less worthy?
And how does letting a few 'lucky' ones in make the whole system fairer?

Thanks OP. Yes, the plan is to save for secondary school while our kids are at a state primary, so there is funding set aside by the time they’re at secondary. We could afford private primary but I worry about the pressure that could create.

For 'worthy' children?! In what respect? Cleverer? More moral?! Why is a less intelligent, less socially advantaged child less worthy?
And how does letting a few 'lucky' ones in make the whole system fairer?

Children that would thrive in that particular school (which is not just about the school, but also parents contributing to their overall education at home).

From what I have seen, I think that parental involvement makes the most difference to how a child does at school whether that is private or state. .

There are many fuckwit parents at private schools too. I have to deal with them every day.

Thanks OP. Yes, the plan is to save for secondary school while our kids are at a state primary, so there is funding set aside by the time they’re at secondary. We could afford private primary but I worry about the pressure that could create.

Yes, I classify private primary as a luxury. Good luck for the future!

From what I have seen, I think that parental involvement makes the most difference to how a child does at school whether that is private or state.

There are many fuckwit parents at private schools too. I have to deal with them every day.

Yep. BTDT. I think they are easier to handle, though, especially if you have a good Head, like mine.

So children who already have advantages at home (parents who can 'contribute to their overall education') can get more because they will 'thrive' in a private school.
...so, back to my original question, how is this fair?

So children who already have advantages at home (parents who can 'contribute to their overall education') can get more because they will 'thrive' in a private school.
...so, back to my original question, how is this fair?

Who claimed that it is fair?

Ok, you don't think it's fair. I thought when you said the bit about 'fairness goes both ways' and that you had worked hard for the money you have, you were suggesting it was fair.
So as I said earlier, you accept it's unfair but this doesn't bother you. Unfairness does bother me and lots of other people.

Is there something more specific that’s bothering you, fonzi?

How do you mean? Lots of things in our society and in the world bother me, specific and general. Naturally! Are there people who aren't bothered?

So,no, then.

I'm not getting your point. Do you mean, being concerned about widespread educational injustice can't be a real motivator, I must be 'bothered' by something on a personal level to be exercised by this? If that's what you mean -- are you used to an environment where people only get worked up about things that affect them personally?

Absolutely not. Bums on seats is more important.

I remember my Dad telling me, "There's two types of private schools, those for people who are clever and rich and those who are just rich." Is it true to say that yours is the latter?

Crafty you have done well to answer Fonzi's questions. Leave the poor OP alone Fonzi. It sucks that not all schools are equal, even state schools are not equal I've seen that more than enough myself.

It would be nice if state schools were as good as private schools, but OP isn't in control of that, OP is purely trying to make life the best he or she can for themselves and their family.
It sucks for kids born into deprived families, or for kids born into abusive, neglectful or dysfunctional families but OP cannot fix that. Closing down private schools due to teachers refusing to teach there isn't going to help deprived or abused kids or make state schools any better in low-income areas.

I often think teaching would be so much simpler if parents weren't involved. Do you have a lot of parental input? Is it more positive or negative than when you did your NQT? What is the typical school day like? Hours? Lessons? Etc. Is it a boarding school or just a day school? Is it 5 days a week?

Do you feel that the children need you? Do you think you could make more of a difference working in the public sector?

Does your school offer scholarships or bursaries. If so can you tell which pupils are from less financially well off families? If there are scholarships do the children struggle to fit in with richer pupils?

What do you think of the Independent schools’ assessment system (as opposed to Ofsted)?

Ok, I will leave the OP alone. I don't want to upset her personally, but I do feel that starting a thread on this subject implies you are prepared to accept persistent questions on its more problematic aspects. I'll leave it at that though.

Do you get many children attending your private school who cant afford to but are paying full fees - ie their families are having to go without other luxuries/ extras in order to send them to private school?

Ok, thanks. My follow ups are somewhat moot then, as I was going to ask what would happen with your kids, would they have to move to state etc and how do they feel. My kids are in a prep and I know several teachers who have struggled with moving their own to state because they can't afford private secondary.