If an independent school education features heavily on your wish list then you'll need a nest-egg in the region of £150,000 - the equivalent of small mortgage - per child, to cover private day school fees alone. Indeed some schools have introduced 'mortgage style' payment options for those who want an independent school education but can't afford the fees up front.
Factor in boarding education, at a top senior school, and £150k won't even cover the last five years. There are money saving possibilities of course - bursaries scholarships, fee plans...
Fortunately, paying for a private education, from finger painting to Freshers’ Week and beyond, is not the only option, with even the very wealthy oft choosing when to pay and where to save.
As we explain....
What is your child really like? This is your starting point for finding a school to suit him/her rather than you. Having decided what your child is really like, ask yourself: What...
Academic achievement, proximity.... but forget religion.
A survey of parents by The Good Schools Guide has revealed that parents’ top criteria in choosing a school for their...
Use Find a School (right-hand-side) of most web pages) to quickly locate schools of interest.
If you are not sure which school, or where, try our
Detailed School Search
30,000...
A lively look at education planning for children of all ages and their parents! We guide you through the schooling stages from 0-18 in both the independent and state sectors, and tell...
Before deciding where to send your child take time to visit potential schools to see where you think your child will thrive.
We offer hints and advice on class-size and structure,...
State school, faith school, grammar school, independent, London or country school...whatever your choice:
Prior preparation and planning are essential if you are to find the ideal...
Is someone near you putting together a Free School?
It's a very tempting prospect: a school that is created by its community, that you can play a part in shaping,...
You've identified possible schools, now what?
Every single reference book on schools indulges in advice on how to find and choose the perfect school. Lists of questions...
We asked:
‘Is a school that does well for children with SEN likely to be good for other children too?’
The Great British Public said...
Yes:
'Such a school will be...
A study of Value Added scores by the Good Schools Guide shows girls really do learn better in girls’ schools than in co-ed ones.
Yet co-ed schools thrive in areas where...
Will they enthuse, inspire, encourage?
Don't rely on league tables - look beyond the headlines. Check-out our detailed analysis of results to uncover how well a school...
Will the extra activities hit the right note?
Will you find a welcome on the mat, team-talk and an abundance of activities? Will the school give your child a sporting...
What matters is what is important to you. Avoid disaster by asking the right questions before you sign-up but...
ask even half these questions and you will probably never be invited...
If you get the chance, chat to pupils; they are the ones who really know what's happening both inside and outside of the classroom. Try not to ask leading questions, similarly don't...
Money matters
Increasingly it does...
Most schools openly advertise their fees and are increasingly candid about added extras. Many schools offer bursaries to needy families and...
