What difference do private schools really make? Four experts give their verdict

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1. The Labour Government’s move to charge VAT on private school fees, which began last month, has reignited a national debate on private education, privilege and social mobility.

   While just 6 per cent of children are privately educated, 47 of the UK’s 58 prime ministers went to fee-paying schools; 20 of them at Eton College, while a further 13 studied at either Harrow or Westminster School.

   In 2024, tuition fees cost an average of £18,063 per year for day students and around £40,000 for boarders. A lifetime of private school fees average out at around £350,000 per child. So what does this actually buy?

   Here, four experts in psychology, economics and teaching, give their view on the impact private school has on children throughout their lives.

   # ‘Even at six, the difference in confidence between private and state-educated children is massive‘

   **Ilana King, entrance exam tutor for some of London’s top private schools, including Highgate School and the City of London School for Girls.**

   I tutor both state school and private school students who are about to take the [11 Plus](https://inews.co.uk/inews-lifestyle/11-plus-tutor-cramming-doesnt-work-2957379?srsltid=AfmBOorzx-TuhjVCAsD2dSwPr_upFQpV9nSmngZ8kxNLjG857XzgRtiA&ico=in-line_link) or Seven Plus entrance exams. These children come to me from Year One up to Year Five, but even then there is a significant difference – the state school students often have much further to go academically.

   This is for several reasons. The curriculum they follow differs and it is clear that they are taught at different levels. Private schools can also have much longer days, which means there are a whole load of activities within the school, separate from the academic stuff. Their day provides enrichment: music, sports, and the arts. I’m sure state schools would prefer to offer that too, but they just don’t have the capacity or resources.

   Then there are the soft skills. As part of the assessment for the Seven Plus, children are expected to speak in a group and give their opinions. Even at six, I can see the difference with private school children. They find speaking in these assessments much easier. That confidence is going to affect every element of that school entry process. And then, of course, it’s going to affect their life.

   At a very basic level, I will start every tuition session by saying ‘good afternoon’ to the child. Those who attend private school will respond straight away and we will have a conversation. Even my littlest students, who are five or six years old, are much more prepared to have that conversation with me than those who come in from state schools.

   They have more confidence, which I believe comes from being heard. If you feel confident that the things that you say will be listened to and valued, then you will feel able to put yourself out there. Some state schools are good at that, but this is mainly found in private schools.

2. Oh good, we have that debate cleared up finally then!

3. >It’s not worth it. Most State schools aren’t terrible.

   Damning with faint praise there, my friend.

4. In terms of academic outcomes, when adjusted for genetics, the evidence is clear, it makes no difference. Within my own extended family everyone ended up with roughly the same outcomes regardless of school system.

   In terms of social circle, it makes a large difference. The networks make a big difference. Whenever I am asked for a favour (work experience, mentoring) it is a rich person asking for their or a friend’s child)

   Whether segregation of the rich from the rest of us make sense for society as a whole I’d say no.

5. I went to private school and my sister also.
   Could be luck but she retired at 40 (she’s 49 now) owning 9 rental properties ( her own property mortgage fees also) without mortgages, that was her number and chose not to expand. She’s earning 5 figures a month (we lie in north Wales) living costs are cheaper than lots or areas in the UK, so that figure is an amazing quality of life figure.

   I worked through my 20s getting 2 degrees and ended up working in Manhatten, I wasn’t as lucky and did 70 to 80 hours a week. I got qualified as a management accountant and also wanted an it degree as my specialty was moving data around between packages and databases. I worked 9 to 5 doing that job and also worked as a doorman for about 6 or 7 years in my 20s to keep money coming in. I also retired at 40 from high income higt hours jobs and now work locally 2 mins communte, drop my child off and pick her up from school every day work life balance is amazing.

   I don’t know if we both did so because or a strong education, strong ethics from parents, luck or just determination? I honestly don’t think you can pinpoint an answer.

   So did private schools make a difference? Honestly I don’t know? Did it help? I don’t know.

   Do I send my daughter to private school, yes, she also does all the extras from piano, tennis, netball, cooking, maths, school holidays skiing and going all school trips next is to Morocco (I have no idea why? It’s camping in the desert, going up atlas mountains, going marakesh markets etc?)

   Do I encourage my daughter outside school oh yes! I take her out of school for foreign holidays regularly, I believe this is educational and life skill boosting.

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