Private School Vs State School in the UK: Which is Better?

Private School Vs State School

In the UK, around 6% of school children are educated by the independent sector (according to the Independent School’s Council (ISC)). But the Chancellor recently confirmed that tax breaks for schools are ending and 20% VAT will be added to private school fees from 2025 – reopening debates about private school vs state school education in the UK.

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So, what are the real differences between state and private schools? Is investing in private education worthwhile, especially now fees are subject to VAT? And are there other ways to get a slice of private education without the expense?

Here’s the lowdown.

Is private school better than state school in the UK?

As a general rule, private schools tend to get better academic results than state schools in the UK. But this doesn’t necessarily mean that private schools are better.

Firstly, they’re often selective – which means their high academic results can’t just be put down to good teaching. And secondly, there’s a big variation in the quality of private schools in the country – it’s simply not the case that all private schools are academic powerhouses, or that all state schools are not.

Rather, you get good schools and not-so-good schools in both sectors – and it’s perfectly possible for a state school to outperform a private school.

With that in mind, it’s impossible to say for sure whether the best school for your child will be a private school or a state school. Instead, the answer will depend on lots of different factors, like where you live, the schools available, your child’s interests and your financial situation.

Having said that, it is possible to make some generalisations about both. Which brings us onto…

Benefits of Private Schools

Many families who choose private schools for their children do so to reap the following benefits.

1. Class Sizes

One of the biggest benefits of a private school is often lower class sizes, which can lead to pupils getting more individual attention.

In the UK, legislation caps class sizes for infants to 30 children – although the average for 2023-24 is 26.6 according to Gov.uk.

However, many private schools sell themselves on lower caps and will often have fewer pupils per teacher.

ISC reveals that the average pupil-teacher ratio in their independent schools is 8.9:1 – compared to 18.0:1 across all state schools in 2022.

That said, choosing a private school doesn’t always mean lower class sizes. So, always check the school’s policy when you’re choosing!

2. Less Regulated

Private schools aren’t subject to the same levels of government regulation as state schools are.

While regulation certainly has its benefits, it can remove a teacher’s freedom to teach and inspire in their own unique ways.

It also means that teachers have to spend valuable time filling out mountains of paperwork – time that could otherwise be spent planning inspiring activities and lessons that would directly benefit pupils.

This is unlikely to hold your child back from performing well in tests and exams – but it may prevent them from being as inspired and challenged as they could be.

3. Can Be Selective

Both state-funded and private schools can be selective or non-selective. But unless you live near a grammar school, a private school may be the only option if you want your child to benefit from academically-selective schooling.

In a mixed-ability class, a teacher will be less likely to spend time pushing the most able pupils, as they’ll also need to help those who are struggling.

On the other hand, pupils are more likely to be pushed and challenged in a selective class, as the teacher won’t be catering to students of such varying abilities. Plus, pupils can benefit from peer-to-peer learning.

That said, some non-selective state schools also stream pupils by ability, so there certainly isn’t a hard and fast rule here!

4. Better Exam Results

As we’ve already touched upon, private schools generally get better exam results than state schools.

Let’s take 2024’s GCSE results as an example.

Nearly half of private school entries scored at least a grade 7 – compared to around a fifth of entries from comprehensive schools and academies (according to the Independent).

Some of this may well be down to differences in teaching. Remember, private schools often have lower pupil-teacher ratios. Plus, they often find it easier to attract top teaching talent, as they can offer teachers benefits that state schools may not be able to – whether it’s a higher salary or longer holidays.

However, let’s not forget that many private schools are selective – so, we certainly can’t negate the fact that they have a higher proportion of able students to begin with.

5. Extra Curricular Activities

Private schools often attract families with a wide range of clubs, sports and extra-curricular activities – which can be a fantastic way for children to explore their interests and grow in confidence outside the classroom.

Of course, children can also join clubs outside of school. So, this won’t be a dealbreaker for everyone.

However, some working parents might struggle to ferry their children between activities. This means that having the provision at school can be a real benefit and convenience.

Benefits of State Schools

Even if you have the financial means to send your child to private school, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best choice for your family. Rather, state schools have their own unique benefits for you to consider. Here are a few.

1. Local Friends

Many families believe that the social aspect of school is just as important – if not more so – as the academic side.

Choosing your local school will mean your child has local friends who they can spend time with outside of school.

It also means your family gets to be a true part of your local community.

2. Free

Parents often comment on the fact that they believe the money they save on private school fees is better spent elsewhere.

For instance, the savings might allow your child to try more extra-curricular activities, or to access enriching experiences outside of school such as holidays, day-trips and theatre tickets.

Often, families can do all this and pay for a private tutor to support their children in the areas where they need it most.

3. Convenient

Sending your child to your local state-funded school is often a more convenient option too.

Pickups and drop-offs are easier. Once your child reaches a certain age, they may even be able to walk on their own.

4. Real Life

Many families choose state-funded education because they want their children to meet people both like and unlike them in all sorts of ways.

Perhaps you want your child to attend a mixed school with both genders, or you want them to attend a school with people of multiple socio-economic backgrounds.

Either way, a state school is often more likely to represent ‘real life.’

What to Consider When Choosing a Private or State School

If you’re unsure about whether to choose a private school vs state school for your child, remember that every school and every child is different. Take a look at the schools near you and ask yourself how they perform on the factors that matter to you most.

What extracurricular activities are available?
Are they academically selective?
What does it cost? (and what else could you spend that money on?)
What are the pupil-teacher ratios?
What is the quality of teaching like?
How diverse is the school?
What will your child’s social life look like?
How close and convenient is it?

Ultimately, it all depends on your child’s needs, your values, and your budget. Private schools aren’t by default better than state schools – and vice versa.

Conclusion

Whether you opt for a private school vs state school depends on your unique circumstances. Be sure to weigh the pros and cons of both, as well as the availability of local options and what fits best with your child’s needs and future aspirations.

If you’re considering an alternative route to education, you might also look into private tutoring as a way to complement either option, ensuring your child has the best educational experience possible.