State & Private Schools
Sociology: AQA GCSE, topic 3.1.5
Arguments for Private Education
State schools are funded by the government. Private schools are funded by parents who wish to send their children to these schools. They are also called independent or public schools.
Facilities
- The size of the class:
- Private schools offer smaller class sizes and teachers can focus more on the pupils as there is a better teacher-pupil ratio.
- The facilities:
- Facilities are better as parents pay fees.
- The school’s budget is higher and the school is free to spend its budget according to their needs.
Curriculum
- Curriculum:
- They don’t have to follow the official/national curriculum, and so they can focus on certain subjects.
- The informal learning might be better. This is where pupils learn necessary skills for life which later on will put them at an advantage in comparison to their peers.
Ethos
- Work ethic:
- These schools have a positive work ethic where academic subjects are put in priority.
- Results:
- They tend to have higher grades in comparison to alternative provision.
Next steps
- Access to universities:
- Better results means that they have better chances of being admitted to top universities.
- Jobs:
- Better universities mean better jobs, highly paid, high-status careers.
Arguments Against Private Education
State schools are funded by the government. Private schools are funded by parents who wish to send their children to these schools. They are also called independent and public schools.
Inequality
- Inequalities:
- Private schools feed the inequalities in society.
- Parents who can afford private education will send their children there.
- As a result, they will receive a better education, giving them better chances of getting into the best universities, and getting the best jobs later in life.
Division
- Division:
- Private education perpetuates social division.
- In other words, those who can afford it will remain at the top of the hierarchy whereas those who cannot get fewer or lesser opportunities.
Neglect
- State education is neglected:
- If parents who give their money and interest to private schools allocated all this energy and resources to state education, the latter would be much better, and all pupils would benefit.
Test yourself on State & Private Schools
What are some characteristics of private schools?
Private schools offer smaller class sizes and teachers which means that teachers can focus more on pupils. This is known as a better what?
What are a few arguments against private education?