UK public schools and private schools explained

'Public schools' - that count heavy weights such as Eton, Harrow and Rugby among their membership - are so called because enrolment is open to the general public, providing said public can pay the fees!

Independent schools, public schools and private schools are essentially the same thing and have history to blame for their different and perhaps confusing, range of names.

Independent schools range from the glorious and great to tiny schools run by parents who want a particular kind of education for their children.They have no state funding, instead independent schools rely on tuition fees, gifts and endowments.

What is a Public School?

Eton College, Winchester College, Harrow School without doubt, then Radley College, Marlborough College, Rugby School, Shrewsbury School, Charterhouse etc in distinctly arguable order.

An essentially snobbish and sexist term that Lord Peter Wimsey wrestles amusingly with in Murder must Advertise. 'Public School' is gradually being abandoned in favour of 'independent school'. All of the original public schools are still considered top schools (though today they are joined by a number of other leading schools) and all are reviewed by The Good Schools Guide (subscribers should log-in to read the reviews). Some remain all boys schools but most now take girls either in the sixth-form or throughout the school.
 

Is there a difference between public schools and independent schools?

Public schools are independent schools but not all independent schools are public schools! (Just to confuse matters, public schools in many countries outside of England are actually state schools). In the UK independent schools are 'independent' because of their freedom to operate, to a considerable extent, outside of government regulations, though they have, of course, to conform to official standards of education, health and safety etc and are regularly inspected.

 

Are the best independent schools the ones with the greatest names?

Not necessarily; undoubtedly many of the great names remain leaders within the world of education but the best school is the one that best suits your child (see Sussing out a school and horses for courses ). This might be the grandest and greatest of the traditional public schools or the local village school state school that goes the extra mile to ensure all children in their care get the very best education.

Ten reasons why parents choose an independent school

1. Parents choose the school (though many have selective entry).
2. Academic standards are high.
3. Fewer pupils per class - greater individual attention.
4. Most offer an extensive range of extra-curricular activities.
5. Sport for all ...