Articles by Lucy Tobin on Advice and Information on Private Education
Donating to a Private School
Private schools need donations to cover running costs and improvements, and parents can get tax relief on their gifts.
19th June 2026
Choosing a Private School for Children with SEN
Private schools can offer smaller class sizes and specialist support for children with special educational needs, but weigh the options carefully.
15th April 2009
The Drawbacks of Private Schooling
Private schools offer advantages like smaller class sizes, but drawbacks include less social diversity and potentially stifling competitive atmospheres.
3rd April 2009
Parents' Groups at Private Schools
Connect with other parents at your child's private school and support their education through parent groups and PTAs.
27th March 2009
A Pupil's Experience: Moving from State to Private School
A 15-year-old shares what it's really like switching from state to private school and how to prepare for the move.
26th March 2009
Why Are Many Private Schools Charities?
Most UK private schools have charitable status, which gives them significant tax breaks worth around £100 million annually across the sector.
12th January 2009
Sending Your Child to the UK for a Private Education
Help your child apply to UK private schools from abroad, including guardianship requirements and school selection tips.
6th January 2009
Private Schools and Fundraising
Why private schools ask for donations and practical ways parents can help with fundraising.
6th January 2009
Applying for a Bursary
Private schools often offer bursaries to help families who can't afford full fees, but application processes vary widely between schools.
6th January 2009
What to Expect from Independent Faith Schools
Independent faith schools blend religious instruction with academic education, though each school's approach varies depending on its faith tradition.
23rd December 2008
Sixth Form Study: IB or a Level?
Help your child choose between IB and A Level by understanding how each qualification works and what universities prefer.
23rd December 2008
A Student's Experience of an Independent Education
A 19-year-old shares what a typical day is really like at her London private school, from registration to lessons and beyond.
23rd December 2008
Questionnaire: Choosing the Right Private School
Use this questionnaire to figure out which private school matches your child's needs and your family's situation.
23rd December 2008
Who Will Be in Charge of My Child at Boarding School?
Your child's housemaster or housemistress is their main point of contact at boarding school, supported by pastoral staff who know them well.
7th October 2008
What to Expect When Attending an Interview
Get a clear picture of what your child will face during an independent school interview and how to prepare them.
7th October 2008
What Prospects Has the School Got to Offer?
See what university and job prospects a school offers by asking the right questions about their track record.
7th October 2008
What Is a Chorister's School?
Chorister schools are cathedral-attached institutions that educate around 15,000 pupils, though only 1,000 serve as choir singers.
7th October 2008
What Are Educational Consultants?
Educational consultants advise families on choosing private schools and preparing applications to help students find the right fit.
7th October 2008
Visiting the School of Your Choice
Plan school visits carefully by touring multiple options on open days and regular school days to find the best fit for your child.
7th October 2008
Tips When Looking for a Private School
Consider travel time, boarding options, and single-sex versus co-ed when choosing a private school for your child.
7th October 2008
Sitting Exams to Gain Entry Into Private School
Help your child prepare for private school entrance exams without passing on your stress, here's what to expect and how to support them.
7th October 2008
Sending Your Child Abroad for Private Education
Consider language barriers, curriculum differences, and school structure before sending your child to private school abroad.
7th October 2008
Religious Schools and Entry Requirements
Religious faith schools set their own admissions policies, and entry often depends on whether your family actively practices the religion the school teaches.
7th October 2008
Private Secondary Schools
Private schools are independently-run and funded by student fees, allowing them to select pupils and operate outside government control.
7th October 2008
Private Schools vs. State Schools
Compare class sizes, costs and academic standards between private and state schools to help choose the right fit for your child.
7th October 2008
Private School and Social Status
Most private school pupils come from wealthy families, but independent schools aren't all the same and their social mix varies widely.
7th October 2008
All About Interview Coaching
Help your child prepare for independent school interviews with coaching on what to expect and how to make a good impression.
7th October 2008
Entry Barriers and Private Schools
Private schools use fees, religion, and academic ability as entry barriers, though bursaries can make costs easier to overcome than other obstacles.
7th October 2008
Preparation for Entrance Exams
Help your child prepare for private school entrance interviews without coaching, focus on building confidence and managing nerves.
7th October 2008
Making a Checklist for Your First Visit
Create a checklist before visiting schools so you remember what to look for and ask the right questions about each one.
7th October 2008
Entry Requirement to Elite Universities
UK elite universities want high grades and genuine subject passion, but specific entry requirements vary by course and institution.
7th October 2008
Deferring Your Entry
Taking a gap year before university is usually fine with admissions tutors, as long as you explain how it'll help your development.
7th October 2008
Child Guardianship Explained
UK boarding schools need guardians for overseas families, here's what the role actually involves and what services cost extra.
7th October 2008
Appealing Against a Decision
When your child doesn't get into your preferred school, you have the right to appeal, though success rates are low and the process varies by school type.
7th October 2008
Questions to Ask the Teachers and Students
Get practical questions to ask teachers and staff when visiting schools to help find the right fit for your child.
6th October 2008
How to Budget for School Fees
Work out how much private school will actually cost and plan your budget to avoid money problems during your child's education.
6th October 2008
Benefits of Attending Private School
Private schools offer smaller classes, higher academic standards, better facilities, and more educational choices tailored to individual students.
6th October 2008
Applying to Universities: Oxbridge
Oxford and Cambridge have strict admissions standards and unique college systems that shape the student experience at both universities.
6th October 2008
All About Universities and Colleges
Understand the key differences between universities and colleges and what each offers students at different education levels.
6th October 2008
All About Private Boarding Schools
Find out how UK boarding schools work, what they cost, and what daily life is like for students living on campus.
6th October 2008
Academic Status of Private Schools
Private schools often rank higher in academic league tables, but how do they compare to state schools and what inspections do they face.
6th October 2008