To feel pleased that neighbour’s kids are being pulled out of private school?

[grengat]

I am friends ish with my neighbour and I do feel very conflicted about this. Since we moved in 5 years ago we have had it ALL about her son’s education. How he’s doing so well, on the path to a brilliant future, all the sports he’s doing… every time we see her she manages to mention something about the bloody school! We could never afford it and she knows this. Anyway… turns out he won’t be going back after Christmas and they are looking round state schools this week. I feel great about it. Finally my kids are on a level playing field with this kid and I am glad it’s happened. Think I just need a safe space to say it as obviously can’t IRL!

Vile. Your children still aren’t on an equal playing field with your neighbour; they’ve got you as a mother, your attitude will seep into them.

Well, don’t worry there are plenty of us you can’t see. Those of us who send our kids to the top public schools where fees are high won’t be bothered by this change so you, like the Labour Party, are sacrificing your friends and those in the middle for people who will never ever be affected. Go you.

Well at least it's a creative new angle on the VAT threads.

Aah, I’m going to sound superstitious but I wouldn’t think shit like that because it could very well be your child one day that loses out on something that you both highly valued. Karma man. Enjoying the misery of others isn’t a good look.

Give over! We all know a parent like this who is an absolute show off and would secretly love to see them taken down a peg.

YABU.

For every private school child that costs the government £0, the government will now have to pay almost £7500 a year for that child's education.

And with the spare £20k the family would now have you'll get to listen to them tell you all about their holidays instead!

I obviously feel for the kid, I know he is upset by it. I was referring to the mum and the constant looking down on my dc.

I can see why you might feel that way, inwardly I might think hah serves you right, bragging cow…. Who wouldn’t?! Deep down though I’d like to think you would know that actually it’s very sad for the children and not their fault, and they definitely don’t deserve it.

How bitchy.

@grengat

well this is why I feel our grossly unfair that all these years my dc have been at a disadvantage. All kids should start from the same place

This comment that shows what a nasty bitter person you are because they've been able to afford private education and you haven't. I went to private school, as far as I am concerned my children have had a far superior state education. If your children haven't done well then perhaps you'd better look closer to home. Imagine wishing this on a child? Christ.

OK, OP. Give us all a couple of examples re the boastful chatter of your 'friend"?

Shows what a bitch.

But I don’t think this will change anything. The mum will still find something to ‘boast’ about her child’s accomplishments. Some people just vocalise how proud they are of thier child. This doesn’t mean the playing field is level. Even at state school, some kids are high achievers or even at extracurricular.

Perhaps one of the parents has developed a debilitating health condition and had to give up work. Something else for OP to chuckle about

I have a feeling the playing field won’t be as level as you’d like, and her DC will still outperform yours.

Completely understand how you feel. She's been rubbing your nose in it for years about her kid getting a superior education. You were a bit brave to confess those feelings here though!

I've come to the slow conclusion that if most people could send their kids to fee paying school they would. For the name (cachet), the extra attention for tuition, the confidence that comes from being in a comfortable environment and not least the contacts.

Depending on the child of course....

But the problem is children will never start from the same place. If you can afford a house near a good school, your child is more likely to get into that school and pool of people who can't afford a house near a good school won't.

There's no way around unless you have a ballot for the places, but that would mean that people would have to travel for miles to go to a school they won the ballot for.

They will now have more money to buy their dc a flat! So, defer your jealousy til later on…..

Oh give over, op is allowed to have a rant. She isn't being mean to anyone, she is on anannoymous forum ffs!

All kids should start from the same place.

But even if all kids went to state school, not all kids would start from the same place.

Some state schools are MUCH better than others, and parents often access these by buying expensive houses.

Some parents are MUCH better than others in terms of supporting their child to meet their potential.

I'm assuming your kids are probably more fortunate than most.

Maybe if state schools were better funded the whole country would be more successful..... I think your comment is just as bad as the OP's. Personally I'm glad your 20% more will fund teachers for my kids to have a decent education, so I thankyou for your contribution.

It will also help the poor kids priced out of private education so it's not all bad.

As well as tutors for anything they need, and any extra-curricular activities they want.

People who think you can level the playing field (and it’s always to be levelled down) are seriously deluded. You can’t, that’s life.

PS I’m relatively happy to rave to anyone who’ll listen how amazing my kids (state) school is and how awesome my kids are. They have a great time at school plus also do loads of extra stuff I sign them up to. Sometimes they excel sometimes they don’t but I reckon they’re living their best life and I have very bright futures.