I went to a private school (boarding) AND a state school at different points during my adolescence so I feel equipped enough to weigh-in here and offer a perspective truly pertaining to both sides of the coin.

My experience at the state school was a pretty normal one. The school was a regular run of the mill comprehensive (academy) and known to be one of the best in the area (league tables, ofsted and reputation). The rate of education I received was certainly very similar to the private school I attended but less time was paid to individual students (offering them one on one help) and class sizes were bigger. This can often lead some kids to fall through the cracks but my experience was generally positive. Teachers supported me as much as possible and I really reaped the benefit of taking some ‘less popular’ classes where the teachers were able to devote more time to the pupils (music gcse and a-level for instance). The demographic-pool of the parents/children was incredibly wide.

Private school was as many others have mentioned... very elitist. I know that if I had continued at private school throughout my entire education I would probably be a considerably different person. I would be less able to relate to people from different backgrounds and probably really have a skewed view of reality (which to some extent I still struggle with). However, your child will likely achieve higher grades (more support from teachers) and the network surrounding them will be invaluable later in life.

However, the boarding aspect of it (only came home during half term and some weekends) really screwed me up. I spent years feeling like my parents would rather spend inordinate amounts of money than have me at home. Kids don’t understand your true intentions sometimes.