Private schooling for a 4-year-old could be just £72 a week

Real cost of private schooling is lower when savings in childcare are factored in, a new infographic from Burgess Hill Girls shows

Posted by Hannah Vickers | April 18, 2017 | Law, finance, HR

• #burgess-hill-girls
• #liz-laybourn

As National Offer Day for primary pupils looms, a top independent school has demonstrated that the actual cost of private schooling for a four-year-old can be as little as just £72 a week.

On 18th April, parents will be notified by their local authority whether their child has got a place at the primary school of their choice.

But a new infographic designed by independent school Burgess Hill Girls demonstrates that the extended school day can reduce childcare costs while free after-school activities and clubs also represent a saving. And, once free breakfast and tea, on top of a hot lunch, are factored in, many families could find that an independent school education is within their reach.

Burgess Hill Girls Interim Head Liz Laybourn says: “This is a really nail-biting time for parents as they wait to hear whether their child has got a place at the school of their choice. Inevitably, there will be some that are disappointed and will be asking themselves, “Is second-choice second best? Is it really good enough for my child?”

So many families assume that the cost of an independent school education is beyond their means, but we’re showing in one handy infographic that there are a number of significant savings that should be factored in before they make a decision.”

Burgess Hill Girls offers teacher-supervised activities from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. This is an additional four hours a day compared to state schools, time which may need to be covered by additional paid-for childcare. 

And the estimated cost saving to parents at Burgess Hill Girls, of free after-school clubs could be as much as £350 a year. This is based on their child attending two after-school clubs per week over 35 weeks, assuming a typical cost of £5 per club.

Of course, the decision to educate your child in the independent sector is about far more than money. For example, the pupil-teacher ratio in independent schools is, typically, almost half that of state schools, meaning more one-to-one time with your four year old and more effective teaching from day one - Liz Laybourn, Burgess Hill Girls Interim Head

Mrs Laybourn said: "Of course, the decision to educate your child in the independent sector is about far more than money. For example, the pupil-teacher ratio in independent schools is, typically, almost half that of state schools, meaning more one-to-one time with your four year old and more effective teaching from day one."

Studies show that the standard for reading and mathematics at independent schools exceeds state schools even at the age of four. And, children who have an all-through schooling in the independent sector gain the equivalent of an additional two years of education. 

Mrs Laybourn said: ‘We really hope the infographic gives parents all the information they need to make an informed decision about choosing the right school for their four-year-old. It’s one of the most important they will ever make."