to think it's a bit hypocritical objecting to higher university fees...

9 replies

SarahJim · 10/11/2010 12:37

if you sent your kids to a fee paying school?

How come you're happy to pay extra for a 'better' schooling, but don't think you should for your children's degree?

OP posts:

MrsDaffodill · 10/11/2010 12:44

Maybe they care about other children?

If I choose to send my children to a private school I do this knowing that there is free state provision for those who cannot or do not make that choice.

The same no longer applies for universities.

Original poster

SarahJim · 10/11/2010 12:48

So, parents who send their kids to private school are happy to pay higher fees for their kids' uni courses, but need to know it will be free for poor kids?

I would love to think that was true. Maybe it is?

OP posts:

MrsDaffodill · 10/11/2010 13:10

I am sure it is not true for all.

But it MAY well be true for some - people who feel compelled to send their own child private for whatever reason, but actually would prefer a more equitable society.

You asked if protesting fees was hypocritical and I laid out a way where it might not be.

Original poster

SarahJim · 10/11/2010 13:21

Sorry Mrs Daffodil, I didn't mean to appear rude. Maybe I'm just a bit cynical.

OP posts:

LaWeaselMys · 10/11/2010 13:26

Because most children are expected to sort out their own finances at 18 and over, and will be paying it off themselves?

Because they care about other people? Because £35 for your 3 year degree is totally bonkers?!

LaWeaselMys · 10/11/2010 13:27

27 in fees obviously, plus maintenance loans.

AMumInScotland · 10/11/2010 13:37

Some parents may also be prepared to pay school fees to keep their child out of a failing school, or one where there has been bullying which hasn't been dealt with, even if they don't like the idea of private schools.

That doesn't mean they don't believe that education ought to be free at point of delivery.

sapphireblue · 10/11/2010 14:46

What's with the assumption that parents pay for their child's university education? My parents could have paid for mine, but they didn't. I'm still paying off uni debts 8 years after graduating.

Sarsaparilllla · 10/11/2010 15:16

I don't think it's hypocritical because there is an option in going to a fee paying school or not - there's no option in university fees.

Just because you choose to/can afford to send your child to a fee paying school doesn't mean you don't appreciate that other people don't have that option or want to make that choice, and that you would still agree with education being available to everyone regardless of financial circumstances

Flip