private or state

[aurorauk]

Hi new here, first post. I'm looking for some advice and would be very grateful for some constructive replies. I have a son and daughter under 10. I might be able to have them both privately educated at a school in London, however, I'm really not sure if this is the best thing for them. What are state schools like these days? Are the kids any better behaved in either type of school? I worry that private school might make them elitist or be exposed to bullying for not being exceptionally rich and state schools might not be enough in terms of education and poor behavior may go unchecked as it seems to or they could be exposed to very bad bullying. thanks

Two DC's, one in super selective Grammar, one in top independent. Bully happened in Grammar not independent. Rich or not is not a problem in the independent in our experience.

I think it's safe to say that bullying happens in every school. Some schools deal with it better than others.

Bullying happens in every school, it is how the school deals either it that is key.
We chose private because of the curret situation with state education in our area: chronic lack of underfunding, major behavioural issues, very narrow curriculum, poor aspirations of many students/parents, serious bullying not addressed.
However we chose our private secondary very carefully: excellent pastoral programme, focused on producing well rounded children rather than just academic success, very hot on The Arts, massive variety of clubs/societies and a lovely broad curriculum.
We didn't just pick the nearest private school, we chose the one we felt would be the best fit for DD .