…In thinking that parents would welcome cheaper, less flashy private schools

[Newbutoldfather]

This is (obviously) occurred to me over VAT, but also in thinking that the cost of private schools has gone up way way beyond inflation.

The school I went to (ok, left 40 years ago) is now 12x what it cost when I went. (General inflation is 3.3x over same period for reference.

So, where has the money gone, given that they can’t make a profit? Not class sizes, which are actually, on average bigger, certainly pre sixth form. Not teachers’ salaries, which have failed to keep up with inflation. I think a lot is around the overall offering and a bloated, overpaid SLT structure. When I say the overall offering, I mean flashy facilities, wrap-around care, a myriad of available sports, a loss making 6th form offering subjects with only a few takers etc etc.

AIBU in thinking there would be massive demand for a ‘basic’ private school, which would maybe cost 1.5-2x a state school (minimum 3x where I live), have excellent academics and good pastoral care, but ‘ordinary’ facilities, a normal 6th form offering and good but limited sports. Or AIBU and most private school parents want expensive facilities and a huge choice of A levels, wrap around care and co-curricular and have no issues with how much it costs?

Independent schools aren't banned in Finland. They just aren't allowed to make a profit, which is same for majority of UK independent schools ie they are not for profit.

Our local primary offers wraparound care as does the prep school where I send my youngest. In fact all the primaries round here offer wraparound care, at private school we have to pay extra. My eldest heading into year 9 fees are now £22k when she started in year 9 the fees were £12.5k!!!!!

we are looking at over £40k for both kids now.

yes I’d be happier with less flash private schools

We had a similar private school near where I grew up. I learnt to swim in its pool as there were no council facilities. It opened its pool to the public in the holidays so swam there in the summer. Loads of local clubs hired its sports facilities every week. The assembly hall was used for concerts in the evening and was even hired out for weddings at the weekend. The grounds were lovely to walk through. Plus it was a major local employer. It was a huge hit to the town when it shut.

I now live elsewhere and my DC’s state school has better facilities than either of the local private schools. Both are now charging nearly £20k with VAT and only just breaking even.

Started in Year 5 apologies