How do you know if private school is worth the money?

[AmberDrop]

I know it's very hard to measure the effect of private education versus state as you cannot tell what direction a child might have gone in if they had remained in a state school but.....how can you tell if the investment is having any affect (Ie if your Dc is responding to the experience or coasting through it and not enjoying it and would be just as happy/engaged/capable of fulfilling potential at state school)?

DS (9) is not enjoying his school but then I'm not sure that's unusual, regardless of whether it's private or state. However, he seems to be treading water and we're just at the point of wondering if we should take him out as he doesn't seem any further ahead (in terms of academia or enthusiasm) than 2years ago. If anything, he's actually a bit lazy and easily defeated in his approach to the whole thing.

As someone who was very happily state school educated, I am failing to see how the £18k it's costing is being well spent. But maybe I am missing something?

The recent report on the success of indie educated clearly commented on the ability of young people to take unpaid internships. Clearly only available to people whose parents can support them. The most important factor in the happiness/success of a persons life is parents. What is wrong with being a gardener who earns £20k and is happy. The professions are great if it suits you but so is plumbing( and often a lot less lucrative). The best school for your child is the school they are happiest at.

We are sending both DS private, right from nursery level. I went to a curriculum evening the other night to hear what DS1 does all day and how they are going to introduce phonics etc. I can honestly say after hearing everything they do at my son's pre-prep school, just at nursery level, I feel this this is the best decision we have ever made as parents. The curriculum is structured and engaging but most importantly, in my opinion, they focus on building good character and confidence in each individual child. Values such as kindness, curiosity and good manners are promoted right from the start, and as a parent I feel fully supported by the school as it promotes the values that we strongly believe in.

You do also sound, Kiwikiss1, as though you swallowed the marketing brochure and it has started repeating on you...

I agree with Kiwikiss. Her experience reflects mine too.