canadad wrote:
@middlesexmum - when you say "I have really seen the difference financially between the 2 schools my dds attend." - what do you mean? Are there not enough resources in the school? Also, are we especting to donate a few hundred pounds a month?
There are enough resources but some things we pay for, eg some text books and a fee to take part in the school show. We also contribute £50/month to the school; I don't mind doing this at all, in fact I think parents should if finances allow. ALL state schools are really struggling these days. Whereas St Helen's (and other indie schools I imagine) have the finances to do what they choose to improve the school. They have just built a brand new junior school and the old junior school buildings have been given over to senior school for a new music centre and sixth form block. They are constantly planning and updating the school because they have the money to do it.
But that said, it really doesn't have a huge impact on your daughter's education. HBS is a great school and my dd is receiving a fantastic education for free (or nearly free). It really comes down the the quality of teaching, don't be swayed too much by facilities that your daughter may not even use.