Cost of childcare and private school fees in London

[Desiringonlychild]

Hello, DH and I just bought a 2 bed flat in London in an area with good state schools. We are planning to have 1 child and to send him or her to private school (perhaps). Just curious how much do the people who send 1 child to private school earn (not talking about eton/harrow; fees of £15k-18k per annum which is quite similar to childcare)? We are ok with staying in our flat if it means DC gets the best education.

Also what percentage of your income should you spend on school fees? Is 30% too much? Thanks.

Why would you move to an area with good state schools and then send your child to private school?

You might try posting in the education boards, this is AIBU.

We did it on £85k, but once the early years funding dropped out it was definitely more of a struggle to keep 1 DC in private school.

Welcome to the thread!:)

Well I wasn't sure whether I definitely wanted private school or that I could afford it. I am only 27, commitment of paying many years of fees is kinda a big one to make at this stage. Also there are 4 outstanding primary schools and 1 outstanding secondary but who knows what would happen in a few years?

Ok, I'll bite. YABU to spend £18k a year when you live near good state schools. Save it for uni.

We are ok with staying in our flat if it means DC gets the best education.

Private is not always better. Visit lots of schools and really try and work out where your child would fit best. That will be the best education for your child.

Good is subjective, isn't it? I mean it's probably TMI but the schools in my area are Martin, akiva (we are Jewish), holy trinity c of e, st theresa, brookland and secondary is archer. Henrietta Barnet is nearby but you have to be very clever to get in.

I looked at the league tables and they are ok, I suppose... But I guess going private gives you more choice because you aren't as constrained by area.

OP we made a similar choice to you and I couldn't be happier. For us, we couldn't afford to live near the best state school and even then wouldn't be close to a decent secondary. One third of your salary would be quite high, but do think about what might happen in the next few years career wise.

You need to think about:

• cost of holiday care. There are no holiday clubs in our area during the extra weeks private schools get off
• what happens if your car breaks down/ boiler etc
• can you save to have a few terms backup in fees in case you have a financial emergency?
• high cost of uniform

private education comes with all sorts of additional costs - such as school lunches which are often double the cost of the state sector , trips and school uniforms and sports kits. If you have outstanding and good primary schools go and look round them before you make a decision . It maybe a better option to save for future secondary private education - from your post it sounds like there are less options