State schools vs. Independent schools

Hi everyone:

My children go to a state school ever since we moved to the UK. Having lived here for 2 years, I have found out that independent schools (private) thrive, they charge a hefty fee as well.

Though I am quite happy with the school, I wonder what is special about the independent schools. With the little information I have gathered, parents prefer the independent schools since they have daycare included - very handy for working parents.

They have more holidays than the state schools, so I wonder how they cover their yearly curriculums? Also, I have heard that it is children from these schools who are more likely to get into Oxford, Cambridge and the similar universities than the children from state schools.

Is it true? If it is, I wonder if the education here is as good as it seems, inspite of the grammar schools, good government funding / infrastructure, etc.

Can anyone enlighten me please? Have I got a completely skewed view on this?

Thanks
Sindhu

Hi Sindhu,
I am in the same boat as yours and would like to know more info regarding these schooling systems here in UK.
How and what do you feel regarding the schooling system here in UK as compared to India.
Do u like it here ?. It will be gr8 if you can share loads of info regarding the state schooling/ academics. My son is going to be 3 years old and i am in the process of looking out for schooling for him.
Thanks,
Sow

Originally Posted by InfoSeeker

Hi Sindhu,
I am in the same boat as yours and would like to know more info regarding these schooling systems here in UK.
How and what do you feel regarding the schooling system here in UK as compared to India.
Do u like it here ?. It will be gr8 if you can share loads of info regarding the state schooling/ academics. My son is going to be 3 years old and i am in the process of looking out for schooling for him.
Thanks,
Sow

Hi Sow:

Well, the schools that my children are going to do seem okay.

Every school has something called the Ofsted report - school inspection done by the local council, done usually once in 3 years or 5/6 years. So basically, you go by this report when you put your child in school.

As far as the education is concerned, the standard is easy on the children, no pressure, not much homework (only once a week - I feel they need to give more!), no tests. Exams are held for every key stage which approximately is once in 3 years.

But having studied in India and having plans of going back to India, the standard of education obviously is different and becomes a cause of concern.

So far I have liked the schooling here, children like it as well. But my concern, is more about how my children adjust once we go back.

About independent schools, it becomes very expensive for 2 children. Atleast in Milton Keynes, the minimum you would to pay as fees is 500 pounds a month.

Would love to know more about independent schools, have not had the chance to check.

Sindhu

Hi Sindhu,
Thanks a lot for ur reply !!!. Nice of you.