The Art of Green Finance

A potentially controversial topic, this one! I have a number of colleagues and friends that have chosen to send their children to private schools. For many of them, this is because they themselves attended private schools and they want their children to have the same opportunities that they had. I completely understand their desire to do the best for their children and therefore understand why they have made the choice that they have with regards to their childrens’ schooling. And, the privately educated children of our friends (whom we often meet on social occassions) are hard-working, polite and great role-models for our younger children. Having said this, I will now move on to discuss some of the issues raised by private education.

What issues does private schooling raise?

I listened to an interesting podcast from the New Statesman about private schooling. The podcast was called “The Great Private School Con” and so, as can be gathered from the title, this was never going to be strongly supportive of the status quo. The host of the podcast, Melissa Denes, herself a product of a combination of state and private education, argues that:-

• Private schools lack ethnic and social diversity and entrench social divides.
• Private schools cost the state a significant amount of money due to current tax breaks including VAT exemption (this is due to be abolished by the Labour government in January 2025) but also other tax breaks such as gift aid, business rates, capital gains and corporation tax. In fact, Melissa Denes points out that these tax breaks are worth more per pupil than the amount that the government spends on education per pupil in state schools.
• Private school pupils exist in an isolated bubble which is poor preparation for the real-world.
• Private school pupils are at risk of developing a sense of entitlement.

What are some other possible disadvantages of a private education?

• Cost – see in depth discussion below.
• Entrance exams – these can put pressure on young children and may have negative effects if children are unsuccessful.
• Pressure to succeed once attending private schools, perhaps even moreso if parents are only just able to meet the costs. Of course, a little bit of pressure might be a good thing!
• Students may move from being top of the class in a state school setting, to middle of the class (or lower) in a selective private school setting, with potential impact on the confidence of the child in the classroom.
• Possible weak association between private school education and increased rates of eating disorders? This may particularly apply to schools with higher percentages of girls or possibly just to all girl schools. However, the evidence for this is largely based on limited Swedish data and more research is needed to confirm or refute this possible association. And of course, school setting is just one factor in what is likely to be a complex area with interacting factors. Longitudinal data suggests that overall general mental health appears similar between state and privately educated children.
• Newspaper articles from recent years give the impression that private schools have been disproportionately affected by historic issues around abuse, however, this may reflect bias in media coverage i.e. journalists disproprortionately come from private school backgrounds and therefore may be more likely to report issues in schools that they themselves attended. This reporting bias may then be self-perpetuating as there is an increased likelihood of pupils coming forward after seeing media coverage about their former schools. Whether there is any genuine increased risk at one type of school compared to another is difficult to determine. The exception to this is that boarding/residential schools do carry an additional risk.

But isn’t private education much better than state education?

For many people including teachers in private schools and parents of privately educated children, the question of whether private education is better is not even asked, as the answer is taken for granted. Arguably, learning from peers is likely to be of a higher standard at private schools because only the more academically able children are selected. In addition, expectations of success may be higher in private schools, helping to push those who are in the middle or at the lower end of the class. Furthermore, pupils are likely to benefit from smaller class sizes and therefore more direct input from teachers. On top of this, disruptive pupils are likely to be a rarity in private schools whereas a few disruptive pupils in state schools have the potential to monopolise teaching time. But, whether teaching is actually better in private schools is not at all clear. Private schools, unlike state school counterparts, may employ teachers without qualified teacher status, although most private schools prefer their teachers to have this. Realistically, there are likely to be good and less good teachers in both systems.

It is also true that private school students achieve better academic grades than state school students on average, however, selection of the brightest pupils from families that value education probably plays a large part in this. In addition, those failing to flourish at private schools are more likely to be advised to have additional tuition from a private tutor (usually on top of private school fees).

What are the potential benefits of a private education?

• Private schools sell themselves partly on the enrichment opportunities available, including a wide range of music, performing arts, sports and skills sessions. This is considered valuable because those who are not academic stars may have the chance to flourish in other areas. However, compare with what is offered at your local state school – you may be pleasantly surprised with what is available locally.
• Small class sizes – this is likely to allow more individual teaching input per pupil, for example, one private school advertises that each primary school age child reads 3 times per week with an adult.
• Better foreign languages teaching. Unfortunately, foreign languages teaching is one area where British state schools perform poorly. Much less emphasis is placed on foreign language learning in Britiain comparison to many of our European neighbours and consequently, significantly less time is devoted to language learning. The British aren’t necessarily bad at languages; we just aren’t given the opportunity to learn languages to a high enough level. GCSE languages are the equivalent of A2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. This is a beginner level of language learning; not sufficient for conversation in the target language. A-level languages students reach a higher level and should reach conversational standard, but, by the time students have reached the age of A-level selection, many students that may been good at languages have not had sufficient exposure to gain a love for languages, and the number of students choosing languages for A levels has fallen to very low levels as a result. In contrast, private schools are more likely to teach two foreign languages at ages 11-14 and to offer additional language teaching at lunch times or after school as well as more trips to countries where the target language is spoken. Languages open doors, and, with fewer people having good second language skills, languages may open even more doors in the future. Indeed, languages may be key to accessing university education at reasonable costs.
• Public speaking. Traditionally, there has been more emphysis on learning via discussion and debating in private school settings than in state schools. However, this has not gone unnoticed and the current government (while in opposition) stated that they wanted to address these areas in state schools. No announcements yet but look out for possible changes following the curriculum review being undertaken at the moment.
• Better resources inlcuding computers, 3D printers*, science equipment, art resouces and access to nature. *There is of course an environmental consideration around using 3D printers given that they produce plastic models.
• Focus on learning how to learn and critical thinking.
• May produce more confident people. This may have advantages and disadvantages; this opinion article in the Independent provides a humerous look at this.
• Tailored careers advice. Non-tailored advice can be wide of the mark and undersell the potential of some state school pupils.
• Pupils learn to feel at home in grand buildings thereby reducing imposter syndrome when pupils move on to the grand surroundings of exclusive universities and work-places.

What enrichment opportunities are available to privately educated children?

A good way to discover what is on offer at private schools is to look at the website of your nearest private schools. They want to sell their educational opportunities to paying customers so are not shy about explaining what enrichment opportunities are available. Examples of what is on offer may include:

• Art -visits to museums and galleries; history of art.
• Biology – field trips*
• English – theatre visits, Carnegie Book Club, debating and public speaking clubs
• Languages – trips to countries where the target language is sopken
• Geography -field trips*
• Duke of Edinburgh award
• Model UN
• National subject competitions

Compare with what is on offer at your local compreshensive school. The Duke of Edinburgh award is widely available across state schools for instance. There are also national competitions that target state school pupils, for example the Big Bang Competition that has awards across STEM fields.

* A note on field trips: one of our local private schools offers a huge range of field trips giving pupils the chance to visit countries right across the globe. Firstly, there is an additional financial cost involved in this. Secondly, there is an environmental cost. Thirdly, some of the destinations on offer are what most people would consider once in a lifetime destinations (for example visiting the Galapagos islands). Is it really desirable that people should visit such places as school children? Will there be as much appreciation for such travels as if this were a trip of a lifetime taken as an adult? And, if this is the standard of trips taken as a child, how does one top this as a grown-up?

Is private education good value for money?

The new Labour government have announced that independant school fees will be subject to VAT from January 2025. The Labour government will use the 1.7 billion pounds that they estimate this will raise to fund additional teachers in state schools. The majority of independant schools are likely to pass this additional cost onto parents, further increasing the cost of private education.

The majority of privately educated children attend as day schools rather than the more expensive boarding schools. The average cost of private education in an independent day school was £15,655 in 2022. Average fees in 2024-25 are likely to be signifcantly higher than this with recent inflation rates taken into account and with the planned VAT addition. On top of school fees, independent schools have longer school holidays, meaning additional requirement for school holiday childcare for younger pupils. Independent schools also have more expensive school uniforms, more expensive school dinners and more expensive school trips, all of which have to be paid in addition to school fees.

Conservatively, adding this all together, costs of at least £20,000 per child, per year should be expected. These costs are out of reach of most families, even many families with parents in professional jobs, and in fact, only 6% of children in the UK attend private schools, demonstrating how exclusive this form of education is. If your child attends private school from age 11-18, that sums up to £140,000 per child. At these prices, private schools need to be offering something really special!

If we consider private education as an investment for the next generation, is this good value for money? The figures are difficult to extract from available data. While more privately educated pupils go on to higher education than state educated pupils, it is difficult to say whether the difference is down to the school or related to other factors such as parental background and expectations. Peers, as well as family, are also likely to play a big influence in teenagers plans and aspirations, and in this area, private schools may have an advantage.

Privately educated pupils are also more likely to gain admission to elite universities such as Oxford and Cambridge in comparison to state educated pupils and graduates from Oxford and Cambridge may start work on higher average salaries than graduates from other universities. However, it is once again difficult to establish if this is due solely to the university attended or more related to having the right contacts (it’s not what you know; it’s who you know), with parents that are able to fund private education more likely to have professional backgrounds and/or contacts in industry and/or government that can help their children get onto the first rung of the career ladder.

However, the first question that must be posed is, whether it possible to gain admission to top universities from a state school? And the answer to that is, of course! Secondly, if considering private school as an investment, we must ask whether children that have attended private school likely to earn more than £140,000 more than their state educated counterparts over the course of their career? The answer to that is, possibly, but, there are no guarantees.

So, could the money be better invested? £20,000 per year for 7 years invested and growing at around 5% would compound to almost £200,000 at the end of this period. Enough for your child to attend university without debt, start a business or put down a very good deposit on a house. Perhaps the money would be better spent in one of these ways? As there are so many variables, a definitive answer cannot be given. Only you can decide what the best option for your child(ren) might be.

What free educational and enrichment opportunities are available for state school pupils?

You can of course provide some educational opportunities for free by doing some of the work yourself! Start by reading 3 x per week with your primary school age child. Yes, I know this can be a battle with a reluctant child and painful for parents! If you already read books to your child, you have a basis for a bargain – read a page each; ask the child to read the spoken words of one of the characters; ask the child to read what is written next to illustrations or within illustrations. Once your child can read independently, it’s easy to let them get on with it while you do other tasks, however, early independent readers will regularly encounter material that they don’t fully understand. Ask them to read out loud to you while you cook, for example -choose an easy meal to begin with in case you find out that they need more help than you had realised!

You may also be able to provide additional educational opportunities for your child in other areas, particularly subjects related to your job. However, be aware that you can’t cover everything! Work to your own strengths. Also, try to take on activities with your children that you can enjoy along with them in order to sustain your own enthusiasm.

The BBC has a huge range of really high quality educational material across the entire curriculum for all age groups (BBC Bitesize). Offerings include softer skills such as learning to learn (KS2) and critical thinking (KS4 Welsh curriculum). The BBC also run several national competitions that may inspire children. A particular favourite for primary school pupils is 500 words.

Let children watch TV…in their second language. Make use of free online languages resources such as resources from the BBC.

Your child probably also has strong opinions about their extra-curricular activities. If they are very weak in one subject, consider prioritising this area. Otherwise, letting your child have a say in how they spend their time is key for developing independence and for family harmony.

Finally, remember that children don’t have to attend private school to have access to enrichment opportunities. Nearly all state schools offer free enrichment opportunities -check to see what your local schools offer. Libraries are also great places to access free activities.

What low cost enrichment opportunities are available?

For low cost activities, look at what is available locally. You may have local art galleries, museums, theatres or community sports facilities with activities available for children at very reasonable costs. Some may even be free or rely on donations, making them within reach for families who are struggling financially.

Consider signing up for a language learning app. Apps for other subjects are of course also available.

Paid enrichment opportunities.

If you fall into the “doing ok” or “money to invest” categories and have chosen not to send your children to private school, then you have potentially made a huge financial saving, some of which could be diverted towards supporting enrichment activities for your child. This may mean that you are able to pay for private music tuition, languages or sports coaching and may be particularly useful in areas in which you personally have limited knowledge or interest.

Languages: Institut Français run French camps in London during school holidays.

In summary…

As well as possible ethical issues raised by private education, it is also worth asking whether or not paying for private school is good value for money if you could potentially afford this option. There is no easy answer as there are so many variables, however, I’m not convinced that the differences in education and enrichment offerings at private schools justify the HUGE costs. On top of this, if we control for selection and advantageous family backgroud, it’s not clear to me that private education is actually better!

Instead, personally providing some educational or enrichment opportunities for your non-private school educated child may require more effort but could lead to closer family relationships and might even be fun. On top of this, some money could be used to target tuition for areas of weakness or areas of particular interest/strength, or the money could be saved or invested for university education or support in early adulthood.

Everyone wants the best for their children and ultimately you must decide whether or not private education is the right choice for your child and your family circumstances. If you are still undecided, visiting schools that you are considering is likely to be very beneficial for decision making. However, don’t discount your local state school. The education and enrichment activities on offer may be better than you think!