To think that if grammar schools were more available , private schools would almost 'vanish'

[smokepole]

The percentage of pupils educated in private schools is about 7% of the school population, similarly 4% are educated in grammar schools. I am wondering if there was a 'nationally' available network of about 350 grammar schools (including Boarding provision) , what percentage of parents would still use private education.

i know of a 6th form ( state comp) in W Sussex that got SIXTEEN kids into Oxbridge one year.

As I have previously stated , all private schools are 'selective' , in fact Hakluyt had amusing post to my suggestion about 'private modern schools'. She suggested at least they would no 'Dregs' at a private modern school ' a better kind of thicko' would exist.

This is a important post, because no matter that you may jokingly call someone a posh thicko they are still getting a decent education and no doubt will still have chances for university or decent employment.

This is completely different from 'stereotyping' poor or disadvantaged youngsters in the same way, because they will be dammed by this perception though out education and employment.

"
"Posh thickos" pales a bit before that..........

Oh thats OK then! Two wrongs make a right do they confused"

No I don't think they doat all. As I said, I wouldn't have said "posh thickos" - although it is the sort of thing that is said in the private school world to describe the intake of some schools......grin. I was just disputing the statement that nobody ever says anything remotely unpleasant about state school kids- they do. Often. Both directly and indirectly.

I think things would be better if our kids all went to the same school as in their nearest school and got the same education with the same facilities.

Yabu because not all children in private schools would get places in grammars as they wouldn't all be academically successful. Also their parents may prefer private schools for other reasons e.g sports facilities, cachet etc.
It would also mean less places in grammars for those currently state educated

All grammar schools are selective too, just by different means.

There are a great many parents on here who slate private schools and call for more grammars to be opened because it's all so unfair. Well, yes, it is but it's still going to be unfair to the poor buggers who aren't as bright. But we don't talk about those children do we ? They don't exist on MN.
Well I have the full spectrum at home with my 4. One is academically gifted, one is very very bright, one is academically average and one has SN. So the 2 who aren't do academically able, it would seem it's ok to sneer at them if I pay for their education but not if I send them state!

But who is "sneering" at private school pupils? I don't like the private system, and i don't like the attitude of some private school parents, but I don't think I've seen sneering directed at the kids...............

dc are not always all rounders though are they? good at english but poor at maths etc. someone who could have flown exam to grammar but fail miserably at maths.

Goodness there is always sneering at anything perceived as slightly better in all areas! Than the norm on here! How many comments on this thread alone about rich thickos?

im sneering at the boater wearers

OH YES

improbable

At least one of the boater wearers, whose Mum is on here, is there due to his families disabilities and in ability to care for him.

But sneer away.

Actually you sneer away. There is one child whose mother posts on here who attends a boater wearing school who is there due to very specific family circumstances which nobody in their right mind would want to ensure. But hey, it's all about being a snob, right?

And Hakluyt, I'd say referring to children as 'posh thickos' is pretty sneery.

Ah, xposts there.

endure

But surely in most of the country, non-selective state schools are selected on ability to pay for housing nearby - there is no perfect solution, so what is the least worse?

maybe. there would still be the ones who didnt get in to grammar, and those who value the non-educational side, and the snobs. but probably less private schools. still public schools though for our ruling elites.

"Goodness there is always sneering at anything perceived as slightly better in all areas! Than the norm on here! How many comments on this thread alone about rich thickos?"

Well, one, actually! And even that was just pointing out that rich childen are not necessarily clever.

And there are private school uniforms that are ripe for ridicule. Nothing to do with the child wearing it.

There plenty of private schools in Kent or Bucks or any other LEA that has grammars in reasonable supply. Lots of private schools are primaries and I can't think the OP is suggesting selective state education at five!

Improbablesaint- I've reported that offensive language.

Almost all the people I know who used private primary schools rather than the local state primary school used them because their children were falling behind and they thought they would benefit from the extra attention in a private school with very small classes. In most cases they left more able siblings in the state primary as they were doing fine. Grammar schools and state school are not necessarily close substitutes at all. Private school vary a lot and serve different needs.

Oh dear. My poor daughter. Wears a boater and everything. How she must suffer

Reported ImprobableSaint

Here we go. Building up to the point slowly. Life ruined.

To go back to your original question OP, I think YABU to think private schools would vanish if more grammar schools were available.

People who are able to afford the choice can pick private for a whole variety of reasons, and the selective criteria of a grammar school may not be something they want for their child or the child may not be in the top 20% or so academically to gain a place.