Can you tell if someone is privately educated?

[bye2020]

Without knowing what school they went to?

Well my sister and brother in law didn't know I went to private school....only told them last year (were talking about schools in general of course) and I've known them for 8 years or so.

Generally. There's a slight polish and self assurance, knowing how to behave in different situations etc.

I went to buy a jacket from mountain Warehouse recently and, I don't know how but, by the time we left I knew which private school the duty manager went to, how much it cost per term and that his brother was also now at the school.

I agree that you can usually tell because the privately-educated will let you know.

People often assume dh is. . Couldn’t really be further from the truth. Does it really matter?

If course not but on MN privately educated people are a special breed. IRL it’s utterly irrelevant, I have friends who were educated across the spectrum and I wouldn’t have a clue where they went to school unless I asked them

I think people who went to boarding schools are easier spot than private school but even then its a bit hit and miss.

There are different 'standards' of private education. You could spend 10 grand a year or 60 grand a year for a day student.

Nope. I'm generally surprised when I find out. I don't know why, but I think it's because I expect them to be quite high fliers and lots are in very run of the mill positions- primary school teachers, for instance.

How do you spot people who went to boarding school?

@2magpies1pigeon

I think there tends to be a similar accent, glossy hair and an air of entitlement.

But what aBout those who get there on pure academic ability? Do they have the gloss naturally or create it around themselves

No. My family were all privately educated and we are as common as muck

I went to private school but I don't think it's obvious when you speak to me. I sound pretty normal and have pretty normal views (I think)!

5zeds - in my younger years they seemed a bit more self sufficient / independent. I dont mean self confident. Obviously as ive got older I dont notice it as much as we all grew up.

People seem surprised when I say I went to a public school.

Almost always- without being told.

Most people don’t realise I did.
I can usually tell though

I'd say that it is much less obvious these days than say twenty years ago.

What I really can tell is if anyone has been in the armed forces. There's a very distinct way that ex forces people act.

Interesting -thanks for the replies.

Another question to @OllyBJolly and others that can.... how?

Sometimes you can. Funnily enough though it has often been presumed by people that I went to private school. I didn't.

I was privately educated and so is one of my children and you would never ever be able to tell 🤣

• I had my first DC at 15, I am a high earner but not in a field you would assume I was privately educated.

• My DS doesn’t talk posh at all he literally could be dell boys love child !

@5zeds

How do you spot people who went to boarding school?

Hugely resentful of their parents?

Yes. When I was travelling I met tons of people and could usually tell. For example, were more likely to he into rugby than footie, wore certain brands of clothes, had their collars turned up, how they spoke etc. Agree with the confidence/arrogance thing - there is a very fine line! Most of the people I met were lovely with the exception of a guy who told me that he would never read a novel by s female author "because what could she possibly teach me about the world." !!

Yes. As a couple of previous posters said, they seem to have an air of confidence about them.
I taught in two separate International, private schools over the course of thirteen years and they’re in general, much more confident children and adult friends I know, considerably more so.

@Mrsjayy

They will mention their school a fair few times so you don't have to guess!

That's just not true

No - but I am brilliant at spotting female Cambridge graduates. It is very weird. Can’t do it with male - only female.