What are the differences between private schools, public schools, independent schools, and state schools?
In truth, the terms used for various fee-paying schools and non-fee-paying schools in the UK can be a little confusing. And that’s before you even start to consider which of these education options could be best for your child.
Some parts of the UK still have the 11-plus exam and grammar schools too, adding even more factors into the mix.
Luckily, we’re here to help make choosing a school easier with this guide to state vs. private schools in the UK.
What Are State Schools?
State schools are non-fee-paying and are often funded through their local authority or the government. All children in the UK aged between five and 16 have the right to a free place at a state school. Of the 8.8 million UK children attending regular school, 99.4 percent go to state schools.
That said, there are several different types of state schools. These include community schools, academies, and grammar schools. These tend to have different entrance requirements, curriculums, and representatives.
What Are Private Schools?
Private schools refer to any school funded by tuition fees rather than the state. Of the 8.8 million school-age children attending regular school in the UK, 0.6 percent go to private schools.
Private schools are also often called independent schools, although there is a slight difference between the two terms. An independent school is a private school run by a board of governors or trustees. In contrast, the owners of a private school can run it with no governing body.
Private schools include pre-prep schools, prep schools, and public schools:
Pre-Prep and Prep Schools
These terms are short for preparatory and pre-preparatory schools. These are private primary schools for children aged three to seven or eight (pre-preps) and seven to 11 or 13 (preps). They prepare students for entry to independent secondary schools.
Public Schools
The term public school used to only refer to very exclusive schools such as Eton College and Harrow School. Now, though, the term is more flexible and applies to several hundred fee-paying UK secondary schools for students aged between 11 and 13 to 18. Most public schools use common entrance exams (CE) focusing on science, maths, and English.
Comparing Schools in the UK
The main difference between state and private schools in the UK is the fees parents must pay. While fees vary a lot between schools, the average cost of private school is £14,940 per year.
These fees allow for smaller class sizes, teaching independence, and extra educational preparation. As a result, students attending private schools often excel at GCSE and A-level. But not all private schools are academic powerhouses and many state schools perform very well in exam league tables.
There’s even evidence to suggest that private school could be a “poor investment”. What’s more, the state vs. independent schools in the UK debate often overlooks the impact of private tuition. Many independent school students receive extensive tutoring while most state-educated children don’t.Â
Supplementing Your Child’s Education with Private Tutoring
It’s often difficult to compare schools in the UK because there are many factors at play. But what’s undeniable is the positive effect that extra tuition will have on any child.
As such, private tuition could be a better investment than a full private education. Private group tuition offers enhanced peer-to-peer learning, as well as personalised tutor guidance. The growth of online tuition also means that your child can access the best tutors – no matter where you live.
For more information on how we can support your child’s education, feel free to contact us here at Ant Learning today!
