Forum Topic

Why is the Council Subsidising Private Schools?

H&F have released a list of all payments made over £500 which shows a substantial amount of money being given to local private schools. http://www.lbhf.gov.uk/Images/Supplier%20payments%20over%20500%20010110-310310%20for%20publication_tcm21-145231.pdf

Karen Cooper ● 5424d4 Comments

Where does central Government get their money from - either way it is still money that could go towards schooling for more children rather than less.  I did not answer my own question as I stated that very few children are accepted into private schools from state schools even when they have high academic ability - also the majority of solicitors - especially in the City - went to private schools.  There are some solicitors who have high academic ability in the 'Magic Circle' firms but they often are not made partners and leave to start their own firms.

Tina Pemberton ● 5393d

'Can you explain why not having subjects in Latin means that the ratepayers should basically provide for private schools. 'As far as I'm aware these kind of programmes are funded by central Government not the 'ratepayers'.'Latin is mainly beneficial to solicitors and lawyers.'Haven't you answered your own question? By giving talented students tuition in subjects their own school can't offer it opens up more career options for them.

Andy Jones ● 5405d

Can you explain why not having subjects in Latin means that the ratepayers should basically provide for private schools.  Private schools should be funded by people who can afford them. Latin is mainly beneficial to solicitors and lawyers.  I do not know one child who tried to get into the local private schools that managed to do so, even with a great academic background.  Private schools are very selective and bar the token 1 or 2 people they take on as mandatory, you either have to have plenty of money or win a scholarship (and usually the parents here have good jobs too).

Tina Pemberton ● 5407d

The newspapers have explained this fairly satisfactorily - the money is for nursery places, special needs support and extra lessons in subjects like Latin that the local states schools are unable to provide. Most of the money seems to come from central Government and is administered on their behalf by the Council.H&F were the first Council to publish these figures which is commendable particularly as it was obvious people would start pouring over the numbers and looking for negative conclusions.

Ellen Kearney ● 5423d