You guys...
You cannot compare the attention given in a class of 15 to a class of 30...
A lot of schools now have years containing 90 to 120 kids (whereas a private school may have that number in total) - that is a lot isn't it? Particularly if they are to be recognised. Now add other local schools vying for places at top schools.
I'm talking about schools now and come qualified with opinions of heads and teachers (and I was close to doing a PGCE). There is far too much bureaucracy in our schools now - ask a newly qualified teacher friend what they think. Ask them if it's as simple as being the primary version of John Keating.
Of course you can go into the top schools from state schools! But do not compare it to the chances you have coming from
prep schools (the clue is in the name).
Yes the kids aren't necessarily brighter in private schools and the teachers not necessarily better (quite the same actually) but they do have different system of education and they aren't governed by Ofsted. We went to the best state school in the area and it is lovely but the parents (from Year 1 onwards!) cannot stop b1tching and complaining about the grading, setting of standards and plateauing of their children...
And I mentioned the flexibility - this is particularly good if you want to spend a day doing something educational without the hustle and bustle of other kids.
Oh and it really isn't a class thing - the parents I've met have come from humble backgrounds but decided that the extra income they have earned goes to this type of schooling.
This was the right decision for us and there is more to it without me getting specific (and it was an incredibly difficult journey).
I'll leave it there. Please start a thread about it if you need a debate.
Marky - welcome to parenting! haha!