Ask the experts: Quintessentially Education on choosing state education or an independent prep

Amelia Buckworth, Education Manager at Quintessentially, on whether to opt for state or independent during the primary and junior years

Q: We’re weighing up options (and finances) and can’t decide if a state primary or independent prep is best for our daughter. We hope she will go to an independent senior school and want her to be prepared for an academically demanding environment. Could you advise?

A: First, I would like to reassure you that you are not alone in making what can feel like a momentous decision. With the introduction of VAT, fees have risen by 22% on average. The typical termly fee for a prep day school is now £5,572 according to ISC data, but this varies region by region – London is generally more expensive.

However, if you want your child to go to an academically selective day or boarding senior, a prep school can be an enormous advantage. In London, in particular, 11+ entrance is hugely competitive. Prep schools will be prepping your child (subtly) for up to three years in advance, with practice papers and interview techniques a key inclusion in the latter years. Other advantages include the expert guidance the teaching staff provide around senior school admissions and the close links many have forged with senior schools, which can be very helpful.

If your child is heading to a boarding senior school, boarding prep schools can familiarise them with living away from home, instilling independence and confidence. Furthermore, academically prep schools are guided by, but not bound to, the National Curriculum and can therefore provide a more ambitious and richer learning experience, particularly as they have a higher teacher to pupil ratio. Many prep schools devise their own curriculum for Years 7 and 8 to provide further preparation.

There is also an argument that the prep system is better, especially for boys, as the extra two years in Years 7 and 8 many preps offer (primary school ends in Year 6), can really allow students to mature. This is particularly true for those who have done the ISEB and secured a place in their senior school of choice, as there is more room for personal growth before the transition. It is also worth noting that keeping your child in prep school for two extra years is typically cheaper than sending them to senior school in Year 7.

All that said, a state primary can be a great option – offering advantages beyond saving money. Many are excellent schools academically that form a focal point in the community enabling your child to build a strong local network of friends. The shorter school day is usually mitigated with after-school clubs and local third-party providers offering additional extracurriculars. Just be aware that getting into the most popular and academically strong primary schools can involve jumping through hoops – including affording a house in the catchment area.

If you decide on a state primary, you might consider ‘topping up’ for tests such as the ISEB if an independent senior school remains the goal. Some state schools, particularly in grammar school-rich areas such as Buckinghamshire and Kent, will know something of the 11+ but other primary schools don’t understand the process very well. There are knowledgeable private tutors who can provide guidance and help your family with these sorts of preparations.

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Further reading: Wolfthorn Knight Tuition on 11+ tuition for an anxious student