Private (i.e. Public) School

[Platypus]

There's a difference between private and public school, any kid can go private (funds permitting), they have to earn a place for public school.

At least thats how I understand it... but what would a compo educated oik like me know?

Private schools in the UK are called "Public schools" because ironically they were founded to school the poor, who couldn't otherwise afford education. I'm not sure what happened so they became fee paying.

You don't "earn" a place at public school, but kids do need to pass an entrance examination. In some circumstances, you you can apply for a bursary (a discount on the fees) and this can is assessed on need.

Alternatively, kids can apply for a scholarship (which I think is what you're thinking of) whereby if they're especially bright the school will discount some or all of the fees.

Phone the school you're thinking of and ask when they recommend you put your child's name down. It varies, for some schools you need to have your name down, for others your kids take the exam and the school selects the top 'n' for entry.

If you're serious about sending your kids to public school, just remember that it costs a bloody fortune and I'd advise anyone to ensure that they can pay for it not out of income (which can go down as well as up) but from savings. Because if the going gets tough, it's a terrible thing to pull a "posh" kid from a public school and put them into the local comp, where they'll be ripped for their first year. I speak from bitter experience.

[Swiss Tony]

You can put them down for a class year intake as soon as they are born and not before. In essence to make sure they have a place when they are of age to go to school.

The not before bit I know as I was talking with a mate who’s wife works in a private schools admissions, and she had a lady who was very visibly pregnant trying to put her child’s name down before it popped.

[sasguru]

Currently calculate it will cost me circa £180k to put 3 x offspring through the nearest private for 5 years each.
We may not bother and instead use that cash to support them through university / early career instead.

Hmmm I had it worked out at more than that ...depends on the school I guess.
I think better to spend that money on the school. At uni buy a BTL to help them out and eventually make some profit.
Assuming the country is not completely buggered by then and its worth staying here.

[threaded]

Yes, bursaries are a good thing to look into too.

There are lots of odd ones about, in curious places..

Part of my fees were paid by a bursary for gifted children from the United Reform Church, for example.

[Platypus]

We may not bother and instead use that cash to support them through university / early career instead. And I want to retire at 55.

Bright, well motivated kids will do well at a good comprehensive - save your money.

£180k - are you sure? £10k per year for (usually) 7 years = £210k plus remember that school fees tend to rise faster than inflation. Plus there's the extras... lots of extras. Double it for boarding.

[sasguru]

Because if the going gets tough, it's a terrible thing to pull a "posh" kid from a public school and put them into the local comp, where they'll be ripped for their first year. I speak from bitter experience.

Similar to me but I took leadership of the oiks and they looked up to me.

[Platypus]

Similar to me but I took leadership of the oiks and they looked up to me.

Times have changed.

[sasguru]

Times have changed.

nah not that much.

[Sysman]

Yes, bursaries are a good thing to look into too.

There are lots of odd ones about, in curious places..

Part of my fees were paid by a bursary for gifted children from the United Reform Church, for example.

Ayup. I found one for uni which was from the Methodist Church (though I blew it by picking another uni).

[gingerjedi]

Bright, well motivated kids will do well at a good comprehensive - save your money.

£180k - are you sure? £10k per year for (usually) 7 years = £210k plus remember that school fees tend to rise faster than inflation. Plus there's the extras... lots of extras. Double it for boarding.

If there aren't too many little scrotes dragging the standards down.

There's no guarantee it won't happen at a private school though public schools tend to have less of a problem due to the entry requirements.