If you didn’t go to a private school, what do you think about those who did?

[hanginds]

Do you feel they had an unfair advantage? Do you care? Do you think they don’t know about the real world?

I really struggle to connect with colleagues who were privately educated as they seem almost entitled to the job. They seem fearless about finding alternative work if needs be, yet I just don’t have that confidence. I assume it’s their background as it’s the only difference between us in the academic/work context.

Some are happy to do it. Ours has a monthly "club" for bright sixth formers from dds school and the local state, taught by dds school. It's to discuss topics and strtch them academically. Dd went for a while because a boy she liked from the state school was going but then realised she wasn't clever enough to keep up 🤣

It's also important to remember that when people talk about bursaries there are very few full bursaries available. Most are for around 30% or less, which still leaves the schools out of reach of most families.

No, of course, and to be fair, I have known some private schools that genuinely make a contribution

MrsBennet for someone who uses state schools and disapproves of private education you seem remarkably well informed on numerous private schools and how they run their affairs.

So obviously, I have some friends and family who believe in capital punishment, hunting with dogs....and private education

Sorry wrong paste

Teacher here, have worked in both

A lot of variables. But behaviour is, by consensus, getting worse and not just in my area. So many entitled parents who listen to half of what their kids say...come strutting up to the school to complain without knowing any of the facts...they don't give teachers the benefit of the doubt or the support so there are mixed messages to the kids, who think they can do whatever the fuck they want. The defiance and attitude are dreadful. There's no basic respect.

I can't stretch or challenge your kid individually in a class of 32 when I'm chasing my tail and dealing with shit behaviour.

My husband is a relatively high earner and so it's 100% private for us.

I'm not opposed to the idea of private/exclusive schools in general, because mainstream schooling is frankly shit. But the system needs major overhaul - either voucher system, or caps on fees. Its the elitism that is cancer to society, not private education. Massive inequality between state schools also needs to be tackled.

The big plus for me if private education is abolished (not that I am advocating that or think it's likely) is that Tory donors would suddenly have skin in the state school system.

If this happened then the vast majority of those in private schools would move into the catchments of the top performing state schools. This would push uo the house prices in these areas and in effect turn them into private schools.

In the US state schools are funded through taxes at a local level. So in wealthy areas schools are amazing and similar to our private schools whereas in poor areas they are can be pretty awful. I think you would end up with a disparity in the state sector like this. In wealthy areas parents would donate lots of money through the PTA.

I didn't go to a private school, we were super poor. I shared a room with my 3 sisters. Children from private schools have an unfair advantage which is why I send my children to one now we can afford it. Why wouldn't I give them an advantage in life if I could?

If this happened then the vast majority of those in private schools would move into the catchments of the top performing state schools. This would push uo the house prices in these areas and in effect turn them into private schools.

Yes of course. But more political pressure on improving the state sector, which will benefit more than just the rich people. And as you say, more disposable income amongst state school parents.

Massive inequality between state schools also needs to be tackled.

Jazbay I’m sure that is true but interestingly I don’t think I’ve ever seen that mentioned on the numerous threads about state v. private.
On this thread there have been plenty of complaints about the iniquities of private education but nothing about doing something about the disparities in state schools.

SoTedious · Today 17:56The big plus for me if private education is abolished (not that I am advocating that or think it's likely) is that Tory donors would suddenly have skin in the state school system.

When you say Tory donors do you mean people who donate to the Tory party or who donate to their or their children’s private schools?

They could change the catchment criterias so it isn't distance based.
I think the abolishment of private schools would definitely benefit state schools, like a PP said, as soon as government officials had a stake in the school system, it would be better funded.

Not necessarily they could still use state school, but instead channel funding into private tutoring and lessons, that way it's a direct result for your £ spent, rather than trying to improve the system and it takes years ect to improve. Especially if it's their own children that need the extra tutoring.

soon as government officials had a stake in the school system, it would be better funded.

Peppadog There are plenty of rich people and MPs and London mayor Sadiq Khan who send their children to state schools. Why aren’t they doing something about it?

I would support this in theory. Would you also ban private tuition though?
All extra curricular activities state funded? I mean I would support this but not sure how many would? I think Iceland did fund extra curricular activities and saw a substantial drop in underage drininking and anti social behaviour.

TBH Don't really care where anyone goes to school.... so long as they pay VAT on what is a luxury service as there is a state system..

State education needs to be properly funded if this country is going to thrive, if not...... we'll continue our decline.

A massive increase in education funding would do more to "level up" than any number of town centre re paints and statues... which is a shocking waste of money.

I don't think there's enough of them using it though to make a difference, and it's not just MPs it's other senior influential figures. If suddenly ALL children had to go through the state system, you'd see it improve.
Even if they paid for private tutors on the side, there would still be far more equality than there is now.

There are plenty of rich people and MPs and London mayor Sadiq Khan who send their children to state schools. Why aren’t they doing something about it?

it needs significant investment from government funds. The tories in charge will never do this as they and the rich mates they pander to all have their kids in private. And their target voters either have kids in private or are not bothered enough about their children’s education to feel that the state system needs prioritisation.

i am very concerned about the general drift towards private which is being heavily defended and indeed normalised on this thread.

@3WildOnes I wouldn't ban private tuition, I don't think you can. But more state funded extra curricular activities would have huge benefits for disadvantaged kids and society as a whole, as children that are engaged in hobbies and given opportunities are happier and will commit less crime and contribute more to society. I do tend to believe in a higher tax, more services economy.
Before anyone shoots me down, I'm no expert on this, it's just my musings.

This is just not true. Plenty of educated, wealthy parents already in the state sector. What are they doing to improve things? What will reluctant ex-private school parents do that they can't?

Neatly ignores this very valid question!

But they might have rich mates like @StarmanBobby - top 1% don't forget and is vehemently opposed to private schools.

why on earth do you feel they might be responsible and not the government?