Private School Explained

Understand how private education works and what makes it different from state schooling. Discover the various types of private schools, their philosophies, and what to expect from independent education.

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.

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.

All About Universities and Colleges

Get the key differences between universities and colleges, from degree levels to how they're structured.

Benefits of Attending Private School

Private schools offer smaller classes, higher academic standards, better facilities, and more educational choices tailored to individual students.

Parents' Groups at Private Schools

Connect with other parents at your child's private school and support their education through parent groups and PTAs.

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.

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.

Private Secondary Schools

Private schools are independently-run and funded by student fees, allowing them to select pupils and operate outside government control.

The Drawbacks of Private Schooling

Private schools offer advantages like smaller class sizes, but drawbacks include less social diversity and potentially stifling competitive atmospheres.

What is a Private School?

Private schools in the UK charge fees to attend and aren't bound by the national curriculum, giving them freedom in how they teach.

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.

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.