A lot of careful consideration goes into choosing the right school for your child. When it comes to choosing between a private and a state school, there are even more factors to consider. At our private school in Devon, we regularly discuss this question with parents when they come to visit for open days and other events.
When it comes to what school is right for you, every decision is personal. However, speaking to parents, some common points can help you understand whether choosing a private school is right for you and your child.
The Main Reasons Parents Choose Private Schools
Beyond our experiences talking to parents, research by institutions such as University College London has studied why parents choose to send their child to a private school.
Generally speaking, these are the four main reasons parents cite when discussing their decision to send their child to a private school:
- Academic Performance
- Smaller Class Sizes
- Better Facilities
- Local Connections
Academic Performance
By far the biggest appeal for parents when choosing a public or state school is the hope of higher academic performance.
Private and independent schools like ours tend to report significantly higher attainment rates in key subjects than the national average. There are many reasons for this, including things such as smaller classes, improved facilities, and a higher quality of teaching, supported by the additional school fees.
Beyond simple academic performance, many private preparatory schools like ours work to ensure pupils are ready for the next step in their education. That’s why the majority of our pupils leave us with scholarships to continue their education at prestigious, academically-selective schools.
Smaller Class Sizes
Another big draw for choosing a private school is the promise of smaller class sizes. Generally speaking, class sizes in private schools are considerably smaller than you will find at state schools.
There are many benefits to smaller class sizes, both academic and personal. Ultimately, with smaller classes, teachers can spend more time caring for each child. This not only helps ensure children don’t fall behind academically but can also be great in helping less confident children develop and come out of their shells in a safe, supportive environment.
Better Facilities
Another big pull for parents choosing private schools is their facilities. While not always the case, private schools tend to have access to better facilities than state schools.
Part of the reason for better facilities is the increased income from school fees, which can be spent on purchasing items and the upkeep of things such as sports fields. Better facilities can also mean more opportunities for outdoor learning through things like forest school, activities and school trips, which tend to happen more frequently at private schools.
Better facilities certainly help children develop academically, but they can also be hugely important for their overall development, particularly through extracurricular activities. Private schools can usually offer a wider range of activities for children to try, helping them to discover new skills, supporting their character education and building their confidence around things they’re passionate about.
Local Connections
Last but certainly not least, many parents will choose a private school predominantly because of its connection to their community.
It may be the case that your local private school is the best option for your child because of travel or time constraints; finding a school routine that can fit around your working life can be hugely important for the well-being of both children and parents.
Many parents also choose private schools because it’s a natural continuation of their child’s education. Many nurseries have connections to private schools, for example. If a child’s friends are all going to the local private school, parents may consider that the best option for their child, too.
Ultimately, there is a myriad of considerations that go into any decision about what school to choose for your child. No two families are in the same situation, so we’d recommend visiting and speaking to a selection of local schools before making your decision.
We hope this blog helps make that decision-making process a little smoother, and we are happy to discuss any questions parents may have. Feel free to get in touch with us, or you can enquire about arranging a visit to see our private school for yourself.
