State vs Private Schools in England — Costs, Results & Honest Comparison
The state-versus-private question is one of the biggest decisions families face. With private school fees rising sharply and the 2025 VAT policy adding 20% to costs, more parents than ever are weighing up whether the investment is justified. This guide compares the two sectors honestly, using data rather than assumptions.
The Key Differences at a Glance
| Factor | State Schools | Private Schools |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | £5,000–£15,000+/term |
| Class Size | Avg 27 (infant cap: 30) | Avg 12–18 |
| Curriculum | National Curriculum (most) | Independent; iGCSE, IB options |
| Inspection | Ofsted | ISI |
| Admissions | Catchment/distance | Entrance exam + interview |
| A*–A at GCSE | ~22% (state avg) | ~50%+ (sector avg) |
Academic Results: Context Matters
Private schools consistently achieve higher raw exam results. However, comparing raw results is misleading. Private schools select their intake by ability and socioeconomic background. Many state grammar schools match or exceed private school results — the top state grammars regularly outperform private schools on A-level results.
Progress measures tell a different story. Progress 8, which measures how much value a school adds relative to a pupil's starting point, shows that many state schools — particularly in London — add more value than private schools. A child entering a strong comprehensive from an average baseline may make more progress than one entering a private school from a high baseline.
The Cost Question
The average day school fee is approximately £5,500 per term, or £16,500 per year. Boarding fees average £12,000–15,000 per term. Following the 2025 VAT policy change, most private schools now charge an additional 20% VAT on fees. Over 14 years of schooling (Reception to Year 13), private education can cost £250,000–£500,000+ per child.
Key insight: Some families consider private school for specific years only — for example, secondary only, or sixth form. Bursaries and scholarships are available at many schools, covering 10–100% of fees.
Class Sizes and Individual Attention
Smaller class sizes are one of the most tangible benefits of private education. State infant classes are capped at 30 by law, with secondary classes averaging 25–30. Private schools typically have 12–18 pupils per class. Research on whether smaller classes produce better outcomes is mixed: some studies show significant benefits, particularly for disadvantaged pupils, while others suggest teacher quality matters more than class size.
When Private School May Be Worth Considering
- 1Specific learning needs that require very small classes.
- 2Specialist provision (music, sport, drama) not available locally.
- 3Boarding requirement due to family circumstances.
- 4Sixth form at a selective school for university preparation.
- 5Your local state options are genuinely weak (Requires Improvement or Inadequate).
When State School May Be the Better Choice
- 1You live near strong state schools (Good or Outstanding).
- 2Your child thrives in diverse environments.
- 3Financial resources are better invested in other ways (tutoring, experiences, savings).
- 4Your local grammar school achieves results comparable to private schools.
- 5You prefer the values and ethos of your local comprehensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are private school results really better?
Raw results are higher, but this largely reflects a more advantaged intake. State grammar schools match private results. On value-added measures, many state schools outperform private schools.
Is private school worth the cost?
This depends entirely on your circumstances, your child, and your local state options. There is no universal answer. Compare specific schools on Classpot to see how your local options compare on results, Ofsted ratings and parent reviews.
What about the new VAT on school fees?
Since 2025, most private schools charge 20% VAT on fees. Some schools have absorbed part of the increase, but most pass the full cost to parents.
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See how state and private schools compare on Ofsted ratings, exam results and parent reviews.
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