To wonder if our children would be the ‘poor’ ones at private school

[Changethefloorthroughout]

DH and I have a good joint income of over £100,000 and I’m seriously considering private school for our children.

A worry for me is if they are surrounded by children from much wealthier backgrounds if they would feel ‘poor’. I’m just posting for thoughts from people who know a bit more about the independent system than me.

@LoveGrooveDanceParty yup DH and I were both at top schools but DC aren’t - still young and undecided. I saw awful things and wonderful things at my boarding school just like most institutions. And yes plenty of bullying. But was trying to be more relevant so reporting what I see through friends and my nieces and nephews - will report back when I have my own up to date info if you like! I just get frustrated as someone who was privately educated at the modern sentiment that they are empty of issues when everyone who went to one knows they are chocca full of all the human failings - but have pretty good marketing departments!

I teach across three different independent schools. We have a huge mix of incomes, some people are frankly fucking loaded and others have perfectly average life styles. The kids don’t seem to judge either way, the richer kids aren’t cliquey in my experience. And my dd attends one of those schools. We’re in no way as well off as yourselves, fees are partly paid by grandparents which is also very common. I think you’ll be fine.

OP, rather than telling people on here they need to improve their comprehension skills, why not go and meet / observe the people at whatever school this is you’re thinking of and try and ‘comprehend’ them and whether they make you feel “poor.”

Because I’m not sure what you want people to tell you really? Bizarre.

@Changethefloorthroughout I went to a state school like the one you teach at, so if my comprehension skills aren't up to scratch it's probably because of teachers like you lol. Also, a bit worrying you want to send your kids private because you don't believe in the system that you teach in, do you not think you're a good teacher?

OP I can only comment from a central London perspective and with a an income of 100k you’d certainly be less affluent.

But why is this so important to you? I think you’d be well advised to work on your own feelings about this.

Surely there’s better things to consider when choosing a school?

For example: what’s the value for money? Is it a top tier school (as opposed to non-selective), what are the grounds and facilities like?

If you’re a teacher you could also get a staff place for your kids. This is something I’d look into, rather than spending 30% of your (pre-tax) income on school fees. Sure, it’s feasible but also a tiny bit mad! Hence the excitement on here (among other things)

I would enroll them and take a chance op.

From off hand calculations, wouldn’t take home of £100k income be about £5.5 - £6k per month? School fees of £28k per year would be around £2,400 per month.

So you would be spending almost 50% of your take home pay on school fees? Without taking into account any uniform/trips/music lessons/guaranteed annual price rises?

Seems mad.

Almost 50% of your COMBINED take home pay.