Private Education Costs
Average Fees
The Independent Schools Council (http://www.isc.co.uk) provides some average school fees which will serve as a useful guide. There are usually separate independent schools for different age groups, but some 'all-through schools' are also available.
The Council estimates that a term at a nursery school will cost an average of around £2,300.
Junior or preparatory schools are for pupils aged 5 to 11. Average costs per term for a pupil at a day school are £3,300. Day pupils at a junior or preparatory boarding school can expect to pay fees of around £3,900, and an average of £6,200 for boarders. Boarding school fees are significantly higher but food is included in this cost.
Senior independent schools are attended by children aged 11-16. Day school fees per term are around £3,700. Non-boarders at a residential senior school pay fees of around £5,000 and boarders pay in the region of £8,300.
Sixth form schools are for young adults aged 16 to 18. Sixth form is for many the final stage before carrying on to university. The parents of day school sixth formers are looking at around £3,800 a term. Boarders will pay around £8,800 and non boarders, attending a boarding school, about £5,400.
Private school terms are often the same as those in state schools. There are usually three terms, spread over 38 weeks.
Other Costs
School fees are not the only costs you will face. When you're researching private schools, find out exactly what's included in any costs you are quoted. Some school fees include lunch or other snacks throughout the school day, whereas at other schools food will be an extra. Boarding school fees will usually include three meals per day.
Ask about the costs you can expect for extras such as books, school trips and extracurricular classes.
Private school uniforms can be expensive and there is often a requirement to purchase them from a specified supplier. Some schools will have a second-hand uniform shop which can help reduce costs.
General Enquiry
