What are your pros for private school?

[FedupAnon2]

I want to hear from people who have had or currently have DC in private schools, preferably primary age. I already know the negatives, been scrolling through old mumsnet posts so have loads. I know mumsnet can be on the whole very anti-private. Would love to hear from people who have direct experience please.

I’m really debating it for my DC. Have done all the maths snd income/outgoings. Can afford it but just need to weigh up my pros and cons.

We had dc put in a private international British school as part of a work package, they were in a UK state school before that.
The positive differences were in class sizes, the specialized teachers in language, science, music and dance and access to music and theater facilities.
They had a lot more individualized attention from teachers who had a lot more time for them.
The dc with SEN got more individual support.

I was intellectually against private schools but they have been very good for my dc and if we returned to the UK I would be reluctant to put them back in the state system now.

My daughter has thrived in her prep school. The engagement from the teachers is incredible - I have a question, I can engage directly with the teachers and/ or head and get a really detailed response. They are putting a strategy in place with multiple teachers input next year across multiple areas where my daughter excels but they don't want her to be overloaded so they suggested taking a strategic approach which they will organise. The detailed school reports. The incredible teaching. The number of opportunities for extra curricular and school trips.

And all of this through Covid and home learning at times - we only moved her there mid year last year and the difference is like night and day.

Small classes.
Can speak to the teacher on the day
Can speak to the department head through email on the day.
Really pushes reading ( reception child currently on two books a week and two lots of maths and English home work a week)
Lots of engagement through home work/reading journal with teacher.
Receptionist dont talk to you like shit when you ring up
My year 4 has quite a bit of home work - really geared up in year 3 ( private prep)
Great trips out
Lots of sports and after school clubs. My dd is a champ at archery.
When we hit covid we were online almost straight away with zoom lessons and tbh it was incredible. The teachers were awesome.

But really do your research on the schools you are thinking of and read the ISI, not all private schools are academically amazing. Make sure you are getting what you are paying for

Small classes.
Lots of sport, music, drama & art.

Thank you all for your responses. We live in East London so debating a few options in terms of private schools.

Can you also afford uni and house deposit.

I think it makes over all for a more bespoke experience, and who doesn't like that!

My 3 are at an independent school, and they are extremely happy. I feel they are nurtured and fully supported. Strengths and weaknesses are identified quickly. The headmaster knows every child's name. Communication is excellent and we feel school is part of our family. We're very happy, the kids are happy. It's a long term financial commitment, so as long as you're comfortable with that, I'd say go for it.

Maybe your children will be able to understand the concept of a board called Am I Being Unreasonable with a private education? They might have the wits to seek out the Education section.

Smaller classes = significantly better learning support for both the more able children AND the children who are less able or have other things going on like dyslexia, ADHD or the other things that often slow progess in a big class in a state school.

Private schools typically have better sport provision and weekly swimming, which means you don't have to cart your children around to swimming pools and sports things "out of hours".

Better art provision too.

Private music lessons are an extra cost, but also happen during the school day, so again, less traipsing around.

After school care is often excellent and lots of fun.

My kids have gone to both state and indie primary schools, so I know the pros and cons of each pretty well.

If you can afford it easile, a private primary is brilliant. If it's a stretch, save the money for secondary.