Westminster or KCS or grammar

[Charlene79]

We are in the fortunate position to choose from these two schools and although we can afford the fees currently, within the next few years the fees will rise - by the time my son reaches Westminster school in year 9 the fees would rise to 51-56k a year whereas KCS would be roughly 33-36k depending on inflation rates. We also have a place at the local grammar place. Would my son’s experience be that much different if we choose the grammar place?

Grammar schools are great for academics but not sure about sports and other extra curricular activities. Fee paying schools probably have pupils with well connected parents so your son would have a different network. So I guess it depends why you are considering sending him to private. It could be you send him to grammar and the money you save sending him to private you could invest into his future and use some to pay for specialist extra curricular that he is interested in.

Such a difficult choice and I’d be stuck too. It’s not as simple as saying it’s free so a much better idea. As pp poster stated, grammar feels like it only focuses on the academics and you lose the well rounded education. But fees are so astronomically high and continue to rise, I can see why it’s tempting to make the change.

Pay for tutoring/clubs at grammar and save them a house deposit.

We’re in a similar situation OP. We were all set on an independent until we unexpectedly received a grammar offer this morning (thought we had no hope as we’re out of catchment). Please do let us know what you decide!