Private Or Public Education?

A new report revealed by the Association of teachers and lecturers has discovered that the number of students in private schools 'is rising at its fastest rate since the financial crash of 2008' . And while there may be a huge debate around whether or not, private school tuition is worth the money, for the most part I believe it is, due to the social and financial investment it can bring to a child's life.

Many a times I have overhead parents having conversations amongst their peers, stating clearly that they would have sent their children to private school, had they been able to afford to do so.

I think the expensive fees put parents off private schools and therefore this negative perception fuels a discourse around this type of tuition which acts to deter others from opting for this option.

But there is many advantages that private education can bring for both students, the workforce and the economy. Ultimately this is portrayed in the way that private school students are knowledgable, versatile and diplomatic in their encounters and to their future employers.

One of the first advantages that I recognise in private education, is smaller classrooms, therefore more teacher and student consultations for learning and feedback. In addition to this, there is more capacity for resources to be utilised, for more interesting and valuable lessons, which results in better grades overall.

Moreover, the work hard, play harder motto is so evidently employed in most state schools. Take for example, the vast range of extra curricular activities made available to students. These usually include learning different languages, taking part in competitive sports and going on educational trips. It is in this way, therefore, that private school students come to acquire a richer cultural capital. This in turn gives them a cutting edge approach in the wider spectrum of working and social and cultural relations.

Furthermore, there is a wide array of connections that the heads of the private schools hold in inviting in influential guest speakers to inspire their students. In this way, private schools are allowing their students to have opportunities to network with the right people to further their aspirations and careers.

Now, some may argue that these advantages are employed by state schools too. And I believe so. But private school tuition is renowned for its academic success and how this can place people in a wider pool of achieving financial freedom. And yes, some may not be motivated by money, but with so many setbacks from the government and welfare reforms, many are striving to have money in abundance.

Personally, after I graduate and bag myself a career as a freelance journalist, I will do my best to give my children  (when I decide to have them) private education. Who knows .. by then, my opinion might change.