to wonder what the fuss is regarding Private Schools?

[peppapigandhumf]

A friend has 2 kids at a local prep school. She doesnt really bang on about the school to me etc but i wonder why bother pay for education when schooling is free.

Is it really just about small class sizes and fancy expensive uniforms?

Yes, Lady BB, but to be fair I am also serving a life sentence for murder.

I actually think the uniform is very important as they look so much smarter and can take pride in themselves and identify with the school.

I would never ever send my child to a state school no matter what sacrifices we might have to make. I love them and want what's best for them and I don't believe the state can provide that. A lot of middle class families would rather have a bigger house, car, holidays etc over their child's education. Shame.

PlanetEarth You're quite right - none of us have said that, although I've been attributed to having said things I never said.

There's a lot of bullying sneering at people on here but that's because there are a lot of nasty people on here who can't afford private school.

Gorgeous, you have no idea what anyone's income is.

Ruthie, sadly I dislike my children and would rather spend all my money on holidays, which is why they go to state school.

You utter fool.

And how do you know I cannot afford private school? Would it be so ridiculous that I would choose state over private.

Ruthie has posted another staggeringly ignorant post.

Assumptions she makes:

Those that send their children to state school do not want what is best for their children and do not love them

That state shcool children do not wear smart uniforms

That the state sector cannot produce any success stories

You may chose to remain ignorant about the way you are talking about 95% of the population, but I would prefer to bring my children up with a sense of equity and fairness and respect

Thexworst behaved child in DD's year group ( if not school) was asked to leave the local prep school kindergarten. Any way what is private education's loss is the state school's gain.

I think that it would not be such an emotive issue if there was a level playing field in terms of professions/ university access once children leave school. But it is still a 'given' that professions such as law (barristers and judges) and universities such as St Andrews with courses such as 'art history' or 'egyptology' are the preserve of the elite.

I've seen the children and they look a mess! I can't believe anyone would choose state over private, no. I know it's quite a volatile subject as the people sending their children to state school are very defensive as they must feel terribly guilty.

LOL @ Ruthie

You were obviously never a member of the debating society

Rubbish, I chose state over private for my children even though my husbands company were picking up the bill and we could have sent them to some very good private schools. Our local state primaries are good, nearby - so no longish commute, and my dc cam make friends with local kids nearby. saying that, I wouldn't rule out private education in the future depending on the circumstances.

LadyBlaBlah - yes, there's my way or the wrong way!! drives my hubby crazy but it makes him laugh too

I will just say to you, just to be clear - I have never ever felt a shred of guilt because my DCs go to a state school

Please do not now think "oh but she must do because her children won't do as well as mine". I am not guilty, I am not jealous either - I am quite happy to nurture my children in my own way and that happens to be about respect and equality. I am happy with my decision. What I am not happy with is inequality, I don't support that.

Surely this boils down to a few simple facts. Either

1. You can afford private (with or without bursary or whatever) and choose private over state

1. You can afford private but choose state over private

1. You can't afford private and choose between state schools (or in some cases, you effectively get no choice of state school)

I guess the group 1 people are either those who were privately educated themselves, or those who have compared their local choices and prefer the private option.

If you're in group 2, then surely it's because you find your state school to be suitable for your child, and either better than the local private schools, or good enough that it's not worth the extra money for private. I suspect the people in this group are those living in nice middle-class areas with nice middle-class schools. I would love to be in this group of people but I'm not - and I'm under no illusion that sending my nice children to the local school will transform it for the better. I don't think the state school teachers or (most of) the children are the problem, nor even the (rather dire) facilities. It's down to the parents that bring up yobs, and the current school system that is unable to deal effectively with chair-throwing, swearing at teachers, bullying and other disruptive behaviour.

I've seen the children and they look a mess! I can't believe anyone would choose state over private, no. I know it's quite a volatile subject as the people sending their children to state school are very defensive as they must feel terribly guilty

What a nasty post Ruthie

It's self serving ignorance GMajor, that's all. The sad thing being that people actually believe this shit.

In fact, what a nasty thread.

DP and I earn 20K between us, meaning that we CANNOT AFFORD to privately educate DD full stop. COM-FUCKING-PRENDE???? We DO love our Daughter!!

Reading this thread has really upset me.

Don't feel bad, Gmajor.... people who send privately always seem to feel the need to pretend it's within everyone's grasp if only they gave up the B&H, I don't know why. Perhaps it's rather British, refusing to admit you're wealthy?

You wouldn't want your kids to mingle with the offspring of certain people anyway!

Hmm, yes - really should stop EATING I know. Petit Bourgeois fuckers!

you are, LadyBlahBlah.

you are Isuspect the other link wont work.

Oh FFS. www.croydonguardian.co.uk/news/8251904.print/

Now, technically this is just stabbing, not murder but let's not nit pick.

And, to be fair www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/2010/07/03/stabbing-outside-school-leaves-15-year-old-boy-dead-86908-22378874/ this one was outside the school.

Thanks, we have an incident to base the whole of the state system on

My friend shagged the English teacher at my private school, he left his wife and 2 kids, then later on her for someone younger again. He was simply transferred to another private school btw - one without girls. Does that mean there is a problem with pupil teacher relationships in private schools?

Only if you have a link.

I'm sorry, did I misundertand your snide remark "darlene, children are very very very unlikely to be murdered at school. Indeed, if you can find me a single case of it, that would be helpful."