When choosing a school for your child the most important thing is to make sure you pick one that will help them thrive. Your child’s ideal school will be determined by their individual needs and interests.

Independent schools often get the reputation that they are snobby and pretentious. This is not the case, but it is one of the many false stereotypes that they contend with. As it is with all schools their intentions are to provide a safe environment for children to learn and flourish in.

1. You must have lots of money 

There are a variety of different ways to fund private education. Whilst a higher income will make the process easier, paying school fees directly from your income is not likely to be the most efficient way to do so.

Many parents start planning years in advance to be able to save enough money to pay for private education for their children. This is often the case where parents understand the benefits of sending their child to an independent school and are certain that is what they want for them. The earlier you are able to start planning the more you can save in the long run.

Even without years of advanced planning there are other ways to fund education whether its through careful investing or remortgaging. Trying to create a plan for paying school fees can be confusing as there are so many options. SFIA has over 50 years of experience in creating bespoke school fees plans that are perfectly suited to the clients needs.

There are also a variety of scholarships and bursaries available so it is always worth checking with the school if there is any kind of financial aid that you could benefit from.

2. Students are pushed too hard academically 

Another myth about private schools is that students are under constant academic pressure. However, this isn’t always true. Getting good grades is important but independent schools often have a better selection of extra-curricular activities and resources available to help students feel more confident. Offering such a wide range of activities also allows all students to find something they will be able to get involved in and enjoy. They focus on creating well-rounded individuals rather than solely on academics.

Students are encouraged to do the best they can, and staff are always prepared to provide support where needed. Private schools are not forceful about high grades, but they will encourage every child to do the best they can and reach their full potential.

3. All private schools are the same 

This is an important point as just because a school is an independent school does not mean it will automatically be the right school for your child. Different schools often specialize in different areas such as sports or performing arts so its crucial to look around at a selection and make sure it fits your child’s needs.

There are common themes amongst private schools such as how they all usually have smaller class sizes than state schools. However, each independent school will still have their own set of values and procedures which parents can assess to make the right decision.

Lower student to teacher ratios means that teachers can focus more on each child’s individual needs which is particularly beneficial to children with special educational needs and disabilities. Certain independent schools may have more resources available to help these students which will make their learning experience easier.

4. Students are isolated from the real world 

Some people believe that by sending children to an independent school it keeps them sheltered from the world and will be a disadvantage to them later in life. This comes from the stereotype that because the parents are paying for their education students can get away with bad behaviour and do not have to pay attention to the authority figures at school.

In reality, because parents are paying for the education, they expect high standards to be upheld at the school and for their children to develop key social skills that will help them succeed. Independent schools have access to more resources to help students but these are used to support their growth as individuals rather than to coddle them.

Get In Touch 

At SFIA we have almost 70 years of expertise in school fees planning. We have helped many families by making the fees easier to manage in the short term whilst mitigating the longer term impacts. If you’d like to know more please contact us on 01628 566777 or webenquiry@sfia.co.uk. We’d be happy to discuss your individual requirements.