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Education

We have pooled thoughts on the NHS, how about education?

(498 Posts)
winterwhite Mon 02-Jan-23 11:22:57

Many GNs have knowledge and experience here and I have none, but like most of us I have children and grandchildren. I look at the situation with schools in this country and dislike what I see.
Looking on the black side: (1) No prime minister since Blair has prioritised education and since 2010 secretaries of state have not been figures to command respect. (2) The neglect and running down of children’s social care services means that schools have become virtual ‘support banks’ for families in need, with burdens foisted on them that are by no means theirs. (3) Parents seem absolved of responsibility for playing their part in their children’s education, and public respect for schools and teachers seems to be at an all-time low. (4). Many school buildings are in gross disrepair.
There is clearly a link between these points and more could be added. What is on the white side? What is to be done?

ronib Wed 04-Jan-23 17:21:03

Maizie D but of course, private schools contribute to the economy. Teachers, admin, groundsmen, matrons, cooks etc all pay their taxes and National Insurance! The local economy, hotels and restaurants benefit from visiting parents.
The alumni of the major public schools are not interested in ruling as such but more likely to be successful and energetic business men, investment bankers, lawyers, medics and even engineers!

volver Wed 04-Jan-23 17:23:38

I believe that bear baiting and cock fighting made positive impacts on the economy. We stopped doing that because it was wrong though.

Of course private schools aren't as awful as cock fighting. Mostly.

I think the alumni of Eton are very interested indeed in ruling.

Joseanne Wed 04-Jan-23 17:25:27

Actually using CH as an example, I don't believe the school is, or ever was, a remarkably political place due to the diversity of its intake. Talking of alumni, one of my uncles educated there became a Labour MP for 20 years, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and Health Minister. Just because pupils attend private schools, it doesn't mean they all turn out like the "toffs" associated with Eton or like some of the arrogant types currently in office. This is a grave misconception just because people dislike public schools.

Mamie Wed 04-Jan-23 17:31:10

"Business men" ronib? No women?

volver Wed 04-Jan-23 17:37:08

This is a grave misconception just because people dislike public schools.

Its not a misconception we have in my house Joseanne.

It might be comforting to think that people dislike public education because we think that everybody that comes out of them is a toff, or we are jealous because we can't afford it, but it would be wrong. As people have said time and time again on this thread.

Joseanne Wed 04-Jan-23 17:40:30

Its only you who uses that word "jealous" volver.

volver Wed 04-Jan-23 17:44:24

That's my excellent state education that enables me to select the right word at the right time to encapsulate the way other people think I feel.

ronib Wed 04-Jan-23 17:44:25

Mamie

"Business men" ronib? No women?

Winchester, Harrow and Eton are unlikely to produce business women as male only. Rugby probably does.

Mamie Wed 04-Jan-23 17:44:49

I don't dislike independent schools per se, I went to one myself and remember the arty farty environment with some affection. My DH less so, especially being hit on the head with a bible by the RE teacher.
I do think that there is a lot of rubbish talked about how superior they are to the state system and we certainly didn't chose them for our children.
My granddaughters have done brilliantly at state schools and could not have got better grades anywhere.
I don't think independent schools are charitable institutions deserving of tax breaks. They don't promote equality of opportunity, which happens to be one of my fundamental beliefs.

Joseanne Wed 04-Jan-23 17:45:36

volver

That's my excellent state education that enables me to select the right word at the right time to encapsulate the way other people think I feel.

Well then you're very mistaken, (London comprehensive education here!)

Mamie Wed 04-Jan-23 17:46:28

Cheltenham Ladies' College, Benenden, Roedean etc Ronib?

volver Wed 04-Jan-23 17:46:35

I think Winchester takes girls.

volver Wed 04-Jan-23 17:48:20

Joseanne

volver

That's my excellent state education that enables me to select the right word at the right time to encapsulate the way other people think I feel.

Well then you're very mistaken, (London comprehensive education here!)

So you don't think I feel jealous? Good.

Then why did you point out that in your opinion, I'm the only one who uses the word "jealous"?

Or do you think that I'm mistaken that my education was an excellent one?

Joseanne Wed 04-Jan-23 17:54:53

I really have no interest in how you feel volver, but I do remember you using that same word yesterday evening around this time! And no one else has.

volver Wed 04-Jan-23 17:58:30

That's me told.

ronib Wed 04-Jan-23 17:59:00

Mamie

Cheltenham Ladies' College, Benenden, Roedean etc Ronib?

I don’t know anyone at these schools so can’t hazard a guess.

ronib Wed 04-Jan-23 18:07:58

Seems Winchester is taking girls from September 2022 but sixth form only.
Not the most appealing prospect..,,

Fleurpepper Wed 04-Jan-23 18:10:24

Joseanne

I really have no interest in how you feel volver, but I do remember you using that same word yesterday evening around this time! And no one else has.

It perhaps was not used on this thread- but it certainly was in others on the same topic. Certainly the concept of politics of envy.

Mamie Wed 04-Jan-23 18:12:20

CLC has always had an excellent academic record, also St Paul's and Wycombe Abbey spring to mind ronib.

ronib Wed 04-Jan-23 18:15:47

Forgot to mention Winchester seems to have an excellent state sixth form college….

MaizieD Wed 04-Jan-23 18:19:49

Maizie D but of course, private schools contribute to the economy. Teachers, admin, groundsmen, matrons, cooks etc all pay their taxes and National Insurance! The local economy, hotels and restaurants benefit from visiting parents.

Hoist with my own petard there, ronib 😂

The alumni of the major public schools are not interested in ruling as such but more likely to be successful and energetic business men, investment bankers, lawyers, medics and even engineers!

I'm sure that we could manage without them. There are plenty of talented non private school educated people ready to take their place. They might even be better than them... hmm

Mamie Wed 04-Jan-23 18:20:08

Yes ronib Peter Symonds college is brilliant and highly sought after. As an inspector I worked with some Hampshire comprehensives and standards were very high.

MaizieD Wed 04-Jan-23 18:21:17

Anyway, we're not talking about abolishing private education, just removing their charitable status.

growstuff Wed 04-Jan-23 18:26:42

ronib

Maizie D but of course, private schools contribute to the economy. Teachers, admin, groundsmen, matrons, cooks etc all pay their taxes and National Insurance! The local economy, hotels and restaurants benefit from visiting parents.
The alumni of the major public schools are not interested in ruling as such but more likely to be successful and energetic business men, investment bankers, lawyers, medics and even engineers!

All state schools pay non-domestic rates (business rates), which they have to pay from their budget.

Meanwhile, for private schools, operating surpluses and capital gains are exempt from income tax, capital gains tax or corporation tax. Private schools receive an 80% discount on business rates and can claim an extra 25% from the government on all donations received.

It's estimated the tax breaks are worth £3 billion.

growstuff Wed 04-Jan-23 18:34:24

Joseanne

I can give you the simple answer, as I do know, DaisyAnne.
Effectively it would mean the school would have to close because all of the school's assets would have to be re distributed to other charities.

Of course it wouldn't mean that all private schools would close. Why on earth would the school's assets be redistributed to other charities? It would mean that private schools would pay taxes to the government.