Private School vs Grammar School: Which one is Better for My Child in 2021?

The UK education system can be complex, and navigating it isn’t always an easy task for parents as they decide what kind of secondary school is right for their child. There are three types of secondary schools in the UK: comprehensive schools, private (or independent) schools, and grammar schools.

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Grammar and private schools both select students based on ability, but only private schools charge fees. By contrast, comprehensive schools only accept students from a specific catchment area.

Private and grammar schools are popular with parents who want to ensure their child reaches high academic standards; both types of school tend to secure excellent academic results.

What are the advantages of sending my child to a private school vs a grammar school?

Small class sizes. The average class size for a state secondary school is 22, while it is only 15 in private schools. A smaller class size means that students get more contact time with their teacher and that teachers get to know their students better.

Excellent facilities. Many private schools have facilities that enable them to offer a more holistic education, supporting the development of soft skills such as leadership and resilience.

A greater range of subjects. Private schools often offer a range of subjects not available at comprehensives or grammar schools. For example, private schools may offer a wide selection of languages, along with subjects such as Classics and Philosophy.

What are the advantages of sending my child to a grammar school vs a private school?

Greater social diversity. Unlike private schools, grammar schools tend to have students from a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds. At private schools, most students will be from wealthy backgrounds, which could create an insular environment.

Accessibility. Grammar schools may be the cheapest option for parents, as they do not have to pay school fees or pay to live in a house in the catchment area of an outstanding comprehensive school.

More opportunities for brighter students. The 11 Plus exam, which students must pass to gain admission to a grammar school, ensures that all students have a similar baseline ability. This enables teaching to be faster, stretching more able students.

What are the disadvantages of sending my child to a private school?

Cost. Without a scholarship, parents will have to pay expensive fees. Average fees are around £15 000-£30 000 per year per child, and scholarships are very competitive.

Awkward entry points. Many private schools only offer 13+ entry, which means that a student who leaves a primary school after Year 6 will have to find somewhere else to go for Years 7 and 8 before joining the private school.

What are the disadvantages of sending my child to a grammar school?

Lack of choice. There are only 163 grammar schools in England, and many of them are concentrated in a few areas, such as Kent. As a result, where you live may limit your options.

They are highly competitive. Competition for every place is fierce, with on average ten applicants for each place. This adds a lot of pressure on children sitting the 11 Plus exam.

Single-sex education. Most grammar schools are single-sex, so parents may not have the choice to send their child to a co-educational grammar school.

Every child is different, and so is every child; parents are best-placed to know what kind of school suits their child. Do keep the above points in mind when choosing a secondary school for your child, and make the most of school open days.

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