Do children do better at private schools?

It’s a question many parents ask, and understandably so. Choosing a school is a significant decision because it shapes not only academic outcomes, but also confidence, friendships and future opportunities. The idea that private schools automatically lead to better results is widespread, but the reality is more nuanced.

In the UK, both private and state schools offer strong educational experiences, but they do so in different ways. While private education can provide advantages such as smaller classes and broader extracurricular programmes, research suggests that outcomes are influenced by more than just the type of school a child attends.

This means the better question may not be “Do children do better at private schools?” but rather “What environment helps my child thrive?”

Academic outcomes: Is there a clear advantage?

At first glance, private schools often appear to outperform state schools in exam results. However, this comparison can be misleading because it does not always account for pupils’ backgrounds.

When factors such as family income and parental education are considered, the gap between private and state school performance becomes much smaller, and in some cases disappears altogether.

This suggests that academic success is not determined solely by the school itself. Instead, it reflects a combination of prior attainment, home environment and access to support.

That said, private schools may still offer advantages in certain areas. For example, they often maintain strong results in creative and arts-based subjects, where additional resources and specialist teaching can make a difference.

Do children do better at private schools?

Class sizes and individual attention

One of the most commonly cited benefits of private education is smaller class sizes. With fewer pupils per teacher, children may receive more personalised support and guidance.

This can be particularly helpful for building confidence, addressing gaps in learning and encouraging participation. Teachers often have more time to understand each pupil’s strengths and challenges, which can lead to a more tailored educational experience.

However, smaller classes alone do not guarantee better outcomes. High-quality teaching, strong leadership and a supportive school culture are equally important, regardless of whether a school is private or state-funded.

More Than Exams

Education is about more than exams. Co-curricular activities such as sport, music, drama and clubs play a vital role in developing well-rounded individuals.

Private schools often have the resources to offer a wider range of activities and facilities, which can enrich a child’s school experience. This exposure can help pupils discover new interests and build skills that go beyond academic achievement.

At the same time, many state schools provide excellent opportunities, particularly where there is strong leadership and community support. The key difference is often the consistency and scale of provision rather than its existence.

Confidence, networks and environment

Another factor to consider is the environment in which children learn. Private schools are sometimes associated with higher levels of confidence, partly because of smaller class sizes and increased opportunities for participation.

They may also provide access to networks that can influence future opportunities, such as university applications or career pathways. While this can be valuable, it is not exclusive to private education.

State schools, particularly high-performing ones, can offer diverse environments that reflect the wider world. This diversity can help children develop resilience, adaptability and social awareness—qualities that are just as important for long-term success.

The role of teaching quality

It is easy to assume that private schools always provide better teaching, but this is not necessarily the case. Teaching quality varies across all schools, and many state schools deliver outstanding education.

What matters most is the effectiveness of teaching, the strength of relationships between staff and pupils, and the ability to inspire a love of learning. These factors are not limited to one sector.

In fact, the UK education system includes many exceptional state schools that consistently achieve strong outcomes and provide enriching experiences for their pupils.

A holistic approach to education

At St Columba’s College, the focus is not simply on results, but on developing the whole child. This includes academic achievement, personal growth and a sense of purpose.

A holistic approach recognises that children succeed when they feel supported, challenged and inspired. It combines strong teaching with opportunities for leadership, creativity and personal development.

You can explore more about our approach here.

This kind of environment can be found in both private and state schools, but it is often a defining feature of leading independent schools.

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So, do children do better at private schools?

The honest answer is: not always, and not in every way.

Private schools can offer advantages such as smaller classes, broader extracurricular opportunities and access to additional resources. These factors can enhance a child’s experience and support their development.

However, academic outcomes are not solely determined by school type. Research shows that once background factors are taken into account, the differences in performance are far less pronounced.

Ultimately, success depends on the individual child, the quality of teaching and the overall school environment.

What should parents consider?

Rather than focusing solely on whether a school is private or state-funded, it is more helpful to consider:

The school’s ethos and values
The quality of teaching and leadership
Class sizes and support
Opportunities for extracurricular involvement
How well the school matches your child’s needs and personality

Visiting schools, speaking to staff and understanding the day-to-day experience can provide valuable insight.

For a broader perspective on school choice in the UK, you may find this resource useful.

Choosing the right fit for your child

Every child is different. Some thrive in highly structured environments, while others benefit from greater independence or creative freedom.

The right school is one where your child feels happy, supported and motivated to learn. It should challenge them academically, but also nurture their confidence and wellbeing.

Whether that school is private or state-funded will depend on your priorities, your child’s needs and what you value most in education.

Private versus state education

The debate around private versus state education is often framed in terms of outcomes, but education is about much more than grades.

Private schools can provide excellent opportunities, but they are not a guarantee of success. Likewise, state schools can offer outstanding education and life-changing experiences.

In the end, the best choice is the one that allows your child to grow, learn and thrive—both inside and outside the classroom.

Serving students from St Albans and the following areas:
St Albans, Harpenden, Welwyn Garden City, Watford, Bushey, Radlett, Borehamwood, Hemel Hempstead, Hatfield, Potters Bar, Tring, Berkhamsted, Barnet, Harrow, Enfield, Baldock, Bishop’s Stortford, Broxbourne, Cheshunt, Chorleywood, Croxley Green, Elstree, Hereford, Hitchin, Hoddesdon, Letchworth, Rickmansworth, Royston, Sawbridgeworth, South Oxhey, Stevenage, Waltham Cross, Ware