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The private (also referred to as independent) versus state school debate has raged since 1870, when the Education Act established state-funded schools across England and Wales – bringing universal education into the public conscience.
What are the benefits of private schools compared to state schools?
Fast-forward 155 years, and today’s discussion is shaped by a mix of social, economic, academic, and cultural factors – from class sizes and exam results to facilities and pastoral care. To help you form your own opinion, let’s compare the benefits of a private education against its state alternative.
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What you’ll learn in this quick guide
- Factors that influence the education provided by private and state schools:
- Cost
- Class sizes
- Exam results
- Curriculum
- Applications
- Facilities
- Pastoral care
- Extracurricular activities
- FAQs
- How Simply London can help
1. Cost
Private schools
Private schools charge tuition fees (typically £10,000–£50,000+ per year, depending on the school’s prestige), with additional costs for things like activities, uniforms, and boarding. They’re funded through these fees and donations rather than public money.
State schools
State schools are free to attend and funded by the government. Parents only pay for extras like uniforms, trips, and lunches.
2. Class sizes
Private schools
Private schools typically offer much smaller class sizes. This lower student-to-teacher ratio allows more individual pupil attention and lessons tailored to their specific needs. Smaller groups also foster strong relationships between teachers and students. These benefits are made possible because private schools are funded by tuition fees, giving them more flexibility and resources to limit class numbers.
State schools
State schools typically have larger class sizes, usually between 25 and 30 students, sometimes more, in secondary education. With a significantly higher student-to-teacher ratio, there is less opportunity for one-to-one attention, and staff may need to balance different learning needs within a class. Finite government resources are often stretched, meaning class sizes are heavily influenced by local authority budgets and staffing levels. Despite this, many state schools maintain high teaching standards and deliver strong academic results within a structured national system.
3. Exam results
Private schools
Private schools typically achieve better exam results (GCSEs and A-levels) than state alternatives and top league tables. In 2024, the proportion of A and A* in independent schools was 49.4 %, compared to 22.3 % in comprehensive state schools. Across all state-funded schools, 20.6 % of entries achieved top GCSE grades in 2025, versus 49.2 % for private schools.
State schools
State school exam results vary. Grammar schools – which typically require pupils to pass the 11 plus exam to gain entry – and high-performing academies often match or even exceed private school results, while comprehensives in disadvantaged areas tend to perform less well.
4. Curriculum
Private schools
Private schools are not required to follow the National Curriculum, giving them the flexibility to design their own and tailor it to their ethos. In addition to core subjects, many offer broader or specialised courses, international qualifications (like the IB or iGCSE), and unique teaching styles.
State schools
State schools in the UK must follow the National Curriculum set by the government. This ensures consistency in what students learn across the state system. Assessments and qualifications, such as GCSEs and A-levels, are nationally regulated, and schools are inspected by Ofsted.
5. Applications
Private schools
Private schools manage their own admissions. Applications are made directly to the school, and the process typically includes entrance exams, interviews, and a registration fee. They may request school reports or references and have their own deadlines, often up to a year before entry. They often offer scholarships and bursaries and welcome international students, including those who need a Child Student Visa.
State schools
State school applications are handled through the local council. Crucially, any child of school age (5 to 16 years) is guaranteed a place – although your first choice is not guaranteed. Families must apply by national deadlines depending on the school stage (primary or secondary), although in-year applications are permitted. Admission is mainly based on catchment area, siblings, or special needs, not academic selection – except for grammar schools. They only accept pupils who are UK residents or have the right to live and study in the country.
6. Facilities
Private schools
Private schools generally offer superior facilities due to higher levels of funding from tuition fees and donations. They often feature modern and listed historic buildings, small, well-equipped classrooms, and advanced technology. These house specialist spaces such as science labs, theatres, sports complexes, and well-equipped libraries. Their campuses are often spacious with landscaped grounds and first-class sports pitches.
State schools
State school funding challenges can limit their ability to upgrade or expand facilities. They provide the essential infrastructure for learning – like classrooms, sports facilities, and libraries – but this can vary in quality depending on budgets. Outdoor or specialist facilities may also be limited compared to private schools, especially in urban areas.
7. Pastoral care
Private schools
In private schools, pastoral care is typically well-resourced and embedded in school life. Smaller class sizes and higher staff-to-student ratios underpin personalised attention and support. Many private schools have formal systems such as house or tutor structures, together with dedicated pastoral leaders, counsellors, and wellbeing programmes. These resources allow them to look beyond just safeguarding to developing the whole child – nurturing confidence, resilience, and character.
State schools
Pastoral care is valued highly in state schools, but fewer resources and less specialist staffing limit its scope. Teachers combine responsibility for pupil wellbeing alongside their academic duties, and third-party agencies are sometimes used for counselling or additional support. The focus tends to be on safeguarding, inclusion, and behaviour management, though mental health and wellbeing are gaining traction. The quality and approach can vary depending on leadership priorities, community ethos, and funding.
8. Extracurricular activities
Private schools
Private schools typically offer a broad and well-resourced range of extracurricular activities. They have the funding to provide high-quality facilities, professional coaches, and specialist instructors for sports, arts, and academic clubs. Activities are often built into the school timetable and are sometimes compulsory. They also regularly compete in regional or national competitions and offer unique opportunities such as international trips.
State schools
State schools usually offer fewer extracurricular activities amid funding and resource constraints. Most activities are run voluntarily by teachers and take place after school, which can restrict participation. While state schools provide enriching activities such as sports teams, music, and art clubs, the range and quality can vary depending on staff availability and funding.
FAQs
> What are the main differences between private and state schools?
Private schools are independently funded through tuition fees and donations. State schools are government-funded and free to attend, following a set national curriculum.
> Are private school teachers more qualified?
Private and state school teachers hold the same qualifications. However, private schools have more flexibility in their teaching approach and curriculum, giving teachers more freedom to innovate and focus on individual student needs.
> Do private schools produce better academic results?
On average, private school students tend to achieve higher exam results and university acceptance rates.
> Why might parents choose a state school over a private one?
Parents may prefer state schools for their inclusivity, cost-effectiveness, sense of community, and the well-rounded, diverse experiences they offer. Many also value that their child is being educated alongside peers from different walks of life.
> How do state schools support students with additional needs?
State schools are legally obliged to provide support for students with special educational needs (SEN) or disabilities. They often have dedicated staff, resources, and tailored learning plans to help each child reach their potential.
Further information
- Simply London – Private school cost in London: what you can expect to pay
- Simply London – Can you apply for state schools and private schools at the same time?
- Independent – A-level top grades up on last year but educational inequality widens
- tes – GCSE results 2025: Small drop again in English and maths pass rates
Consult with Simply London
Ultimately, the benefits of private schools compared to state schools depend on what you value most as a family. Whatever your preference, our Schools Experts can provide personalised guidance and support when choosing the right type of education and school for your child. Using their knowledge and experience, they can help you select and apply to schools that match your child’s educational needs so they can excel.
Contact us today, or schedule a free call with us here to discuss how we can help you secure places in the best possible schools in London.
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