Education and Independent Schools

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Independent Schools

  • Are also known as public or private schools.
  • A small proportion of children attend schools in which their parents pay for, these are known as independent because they exist outside state education provision.
  • For example, they don't have to teach the national curriculum, nor make students sit SATS.
  • They can range from small private day schools to the progressive schools or to the old and famous public schools e.g. Eton and Harrow.
  • They aren't really independent, they depend on their financial existence on a legal anomaly, which allows them to register as charities, which gives them tax relief. They also receive allowances to educate children of armed forces and government employees who work abroad. 
  • Are not inspected by Ofsted, and they don't have to show inspector reports to parents.
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For Independent Schools

  • There are smaller class sizes with a better than average pupil to teacher ratio. (more 1 on 1 time with teacher).
  • There are better resources and facilities with a better chance of educational success.
  • Teachers are paid more (however may be same level of teaching as in a comprehensive).
  • Exam results are better and there is a higher chance of getting into university.
  • Parents should have the right to spend their money as they wish and should be able to improve their children's life chances.
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Against Independent Schools

  • Some people don't have the money to provide their children with private education even if they wish to do so.
  • The quality of teaching is often no better (its just due to more individuall time with teacher and small class sizes).
  • Money spent of independent schools should be spent of improving state education so everyone has equal opportunities.
  • Attending a public school is enough to secure children good jobs, even if their qualifications aren't as good as a pupils from a state school.
  • Independent school sector is a barrier to the achievement of equality in education.
  • It is unjust that some children should get better opportunities through education just because their parents can afford it.
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