Loft conversion or future kids' school fees - which would you pick?

[themummyway]

Increase the resell value of your house or save your kids' future... really interested to hear your thoughts!

School. I live in a very nice area, with decent state schools - or at least ones that are rated as such.

There is no comparison between them, and the independent school my children go to. And yes, they have gone to both.

“Why, if they go to state school they'll probably be only be able to taste special brew or Frosty Jack's.”

^ I found this way funnier than I should have!!

Do the loft conversion if you think it will add to your enjoyment of you home over the coming years or provide much needed space.

so CountFosco parents in state schools don't value education? that's bollocks.

Our loft conversion cost £30k, so 1 or 2 years for 1 child at private school. If we sell the house we will probably have added more in value than it cost and, right now, our DC each have their own bedroom, which was a priority for us.

If I wanted them to attend private school I'd still have to find ££££££s more than the loft cost.

so CountFosco parents in state schools don't value education? that's bollocks.

I suggest you reread my comments again more carefully. I am saying bright children with parents who care about their education do well whether they go to private or state school.

Save for the school. Even if you do get the loft done. What is being implied here, but not explicitly said, is that if you are in a 'nice' area the state school will be good because the kids and parents who make schools 'bad' can't go there. House prices are just another form of school selection OP. So those that are ideologically opposed to private school can move to an area where there is a 'good' school full of 'good' kids, and feel morally superior. You don't pay fees, but you might pay £500 a month more for your mortgage than for a comparable house in a poor area. So maybe save for possibly having to move to a 'better' area.

Private school fees (only secondary needed really) - it’s all about the connections made and people with whom you socialise.

I’d go for the loft conversion. With the inflation on school fees, the amount wouldn’t go far at all. You need to budget upwards of £150k per child for secondary fees alone.

It may be worth improving your current house and then considering the school situation closer to the time.

One of my good friends from school (private) sends both of her kids to private school. She can barely afford the fees. She lives in a nice area and I have no idea why she’s stretched so much for school. Her drier broke recently and she literally can’t afford a new one!! I think her kids would be far happier going to the local state school and actually enjoying day to day experiences like days out and holidays...which they don’t do at the moment! And my friend’s stress levels would be lower.