Private/state education.

[lilmonkey]

Does anyone know what percentage of children in the UK go to independent schools?

(I wasn't sure what heading to put this under, but this seemed the closest match!)

[Le Chat]

I don't know the percentage but my son goes to a private junior school. I know for definite that he is ahead of his cousins in state school. His class has 15 pupils, whilst his cousin is in a class of 32!! It stands to reason really. Unfortunately, we wont be able to send both children to private high schools but at least I know he had the best start.

However, many of the mothers at the school are ignorant and rude with no manners although I am unaware what type of schools they attended. It seems that being rich can give you undesirable traits!!

[jake-the-peg]

Roughly 7%

http://www.isc.co.uk/index.php/5

There is the issue of class size but also that of social background, as children from more affluent backgrounds do better in schools the world over. And then not all independant schools put a heavy emphasis on accademic sucess - Gordonstone is a notable example and to a lesser extent Stowe.

The bbc's education page allows you to sort by value add by area http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/league_tables/default.stm

Although the top schools are normally independants, there are a lot of independants further down the list being beaten by state schools.

It's not a simple matter by a long way