I'm a private school teacher - AMA

[timetohavesomefun]

As the title says really...I teach at a well known private all girls school in the South of England. I also have a position of responsibility that puts me at senior management level. Ask away...

If new to boarding school at 6th form, what is the integration like generally with established pupils? Any particular pitfalls to be aware of in advance?

Do you feel bad that these kids have a better education than most, simply cos their parents have the cash.

Do you feel bad that these kids have a better education than most, simply cos their parents have the cash.

I don't think that they are having a better education really. The facilities are better and extracurricular is potentially better, but the basics are the same. There are fewer distractions in the classroom because the behaviour is much better, but I think that if your child is academic and wishes to well, they will do just as well in a decent state school. Also, if your child wishes to excel at a particular activity there are so many opportunities at external clubs etc. State school kids potentially have to be more motivated as everything isn't handed to them on a plate like at private school, but their education isn't necessarily worse.

What discount, if any, would you get for your children?

If you could go back and do it all again, would you still change to private or would you stick with state?

Do you have any advice to a middle management teaching considering the swap?

*teacher

How many of your colleagues have no recognised teaching qualification?

How conscious are your pupils of the fact that they are effectively paying customers?

Does this affect the amount of authority you have over them, eg “my father pays your salary, and he pays your boss’s salary, so who are you to tell me what to do?”

How much do you earn?