Vicar sending his children to private school?

[jellybeans]

Hi all, just curious to your opinions as some of my friends and I have felt a little uncomfortable with the vicar of our CE church/primary school as he has 4 children, two eldest at private fee paying (secondary age) school, two youngest at local CE school that the vicar is associated with. He at first wanted to send them all to private schools but the church thought it wouldn't look good so to use the CE primary and then go on to private at secondary age. I still feel uneasy about it, should I? (local area is affluent and secondary has good rep and results)

'In all honesty it sounds like you're missing the old vicar '

I think that is it you know. It's been good hearing differing opinions (mainly one way but good to hear) But he is a very nice bloke so maybe just take him as he is and not compare him.

"Christians are amongst those quickest to judge alas."

lol!

Yeah... hard when they move on and you have to break a new one in isn't it? lol

I think your instincts are probably right. As Arthur Daley said, in his definitive statement on the matter, "well you can see what God thinks about money - look at the people he gives it to!"

The vicar (and his wife presumably) have made a choice for what they think is best for their children.....having already compromised on the primary school choice for the younger two.

I don't have a problem either way, but I can't argue with them wanting what is best for THEIR children, whatever their reasoning.

Our new vicar (lol - he's been here 18 months) is very different from the old vicar, both lovely in their own ways, but for some parishioners he has taken some getting used to, so I think that may be the crux of this issue.

aw thanks marslady it has been hard. We went through all these courses with him and then he had to go... and then we were in limbo! Still, the people there (inc new vic) are lovely, maybe like someone said, it's me making myself feel 'the odd one out' so to speak.

Make him some lemon drizzle cake. You'll be able to do what you want then! lol

And on that note... must put the tea on! lol

lol at lemon drizzle cake I gotta go soon too. Thanks for all opinions (even harsh ones ) given me a lot to think on! Will check back soon xx

I really feel its none of your business where a vicar sends his/her children to school. Education is a personal matter and surely what matters is that the school is right for the child rather than judgemental christians.

Hmmmm I can see how you feel that your vicar is making a value judgement on the local school / community, but...

I believe that we are accountable as parents to do the best we can for our dcs. Now before you think I'm judging state education as inferior, I went to a state school, I work in one now and my dd attends one.

My sis has decided differently for her dcs and they both attend a local independent and yes she's scrimped and saved to be able to send them there (at one stage doing an early-morning job in Tescos to pay the fees). What is important is that we choose whatever option is best for the children themselves, not for the greater good of society IMO. So I'd never judge someone for choosing to home-school or educate at an independent school or even (horror of horrors) send their dcs to the local sink comprehensive. And that's regardless of the parents' public role. They have a responsibility first and foremost to their families like we all do. And one hopes that we know our dcs well enough to know what is best for each one of them, personally.

I must admit this issue is a slightly sensitive one for me as our local comp is rough (I know, I've worked there!) and even tho my 2 are still little I hate the idea of sending them there. I know it's an issue we're going to have to face at some point unless we move house. If we ended up 'going private' I hope that friends etc wouldn't feel it reflected on them and their choices in any way.

Sometimes we need to remember that a vicar is just a chap who has made certain career choices ... Not necessarily some kind of guru