Fee paying vs free secondary schools

[SilverDoublet]

My eldest is starting secondary school in a years time and we need to decide between fee paying vs free. We can just about afford fee paying, (in Ireland, so not as expensive as UK) but am wondering is it worth it, or is it just a big waste of money and additional financial stress?

Depends on the difference between the schools. But also consider that it's not just the fees - uniform, sports kit, school trips etc add up really really fast.

Agree with @Springadorable .

Make sure you can realistically afford everything, and if you can, choose the fee-paying school. If not, consider free secondary schools and budget for essentials as they arise, like tutors, for example.

It depends on the specific schools. Unless your local free schools are absolutely dire, I wouldn't be paying for one of it were only just affordable. You'd have no life for the next 7 years, and what if your income reduces or the fees are increased more than you expect?

For what it's worth, we're absolutely delighted with DS'a state (free) school.

No such thing as "free" 🙄. You mean paid for by taxpayer Vs paid for by parents

Not all fee paying schools are equal and not all state schools are equal. Equally different children suit different schools.
You need to do your research and visit all the schools that you would be interested in your child attending. Think about practicalities too e.g. how easy is it for your child to get to school.