Published, The Scotsman, 24 April 2010

Quite often the very subject of independent education is met with a vitriolic reaction where individuals denigrate the system as being plagued by elitism, inequality and restricted access. The debate is particularly vicious in Scotland where political persuasion often influences personal views regarding equality within society.

For once, I feel I can speak with a little authority on this matter, as I was educated in both sectors and have taught in both sectors and the idea that private schools are populated by the children of the wealthy is an absolute myth. In many families (my own included) both parents work full-time and go without in order to meet the fees.

Furthermore, financial assistance is now available and is often based entirely on financial need. Regardless of income, the sector has become more accessible than it has ever been, with some schools offering free places for those with the most limited of financial means. What this means in practice is that ‘private’ schools contain a healthy mix of parents from a wide range of social and cultural backgrounds.

For some parents the best education on offer will mean a maintained school in their local community; for others, it will mean an independent school, chosen for a huge variety of reasons and often not linked to the notion of academic excellence.

I, for one, am not interested in whether my school community is made up of wealthy individuals or “intelligent” children. What I am interested in is having parents who are seeking the best for their children, who are committed to the values of a traditional Scottish education and who make an informed choice about the quality of my school and what it has to offer.

The cynical amongst us will point to the Charities’ Law as being directly responsible for the independent sector opening its doors that little bit wider but, whatever the motive, that is now immaterial. The fact is that if you wish your child to be independently educated, the ability to pay is no longer the central issue and regardless of your political persuasion this should be welcomed.

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