How Can I Afford Private School for My Child?

Is Private School Worth the Money?

Every parent wants their child to be happy, confident, make wonderful friendships, discover their talents and have the best possible start in life.

Imagine your child being taught in smaller classes, having specialist teachers for subjects such as music, art and sport, enjoying a broader range of experiences and receiving individual attention from teachers who really know them.

For some children, this can make an enormous difference to their confidence, enjoyment of school and enthusiasm for learning.

There are excellent state schools too, and the right choice will always depend on your child. Independent schools can offer greater flexibility over their curriculum, class sizes and the experiences they provide.

If you believe this environment could help your child flourish, the next question is how you might make it possible.

How Much Does Private School Actually Cost?

Private school fees vary considerably, and schools in West Yorkshire can be substantially more affordable than the prestigious boarding schools people often associate with independent education.

At The Mount in Huddersfield, our prep school fees are currently £1,181 per month, including VAT, equivalent to £14,172 annually.

When you consider the hours your child spends at school, that can work out at around £10.95 per hour. For an education that includes specialist teaching, individual attention and an extraordinary range of experiences, that puts the investment into a different perspective.

Of course, it's still a significant amount of money. But understanding the actual cost is the first step towards working out whether it's achievable for your family.

What Salary Do You Need to Afford Private School?

There's no particular salary you need to earn to send your child to private school. Affordability depends on your household income, living costs, existing commitments and what you're willing to prioritise.

Two families earning exactly the same amount could have very different amounts of money available each month.

It's worth looking at your household finances and distinguishing between essential expenses, such as your mortgage, utilities and food, and the areas where you have more flexibility.

For some families, that might mean eating out less frequently, choosing different holidays, keeping a car for longer or spending less on clothing. Perhaps it's swapping designer labels for high street brands or buying more through Vinted.

The question is whether there are things you're currently spending money on that you'd happily exchange for the educational opportunities you want your child to experience.

You might be surprised how much those choices add up to over a year.

Can I Afford Private School on an Average Salary?

Potentially, yes. Some families make independent education possible by combining changes to their spending with additional income.

Perhaps you have skills you could use for freelance work, tutoring or consulting. You might consider a small business or side hustle, whether that's offering a local service or exploring opportunities such as Utility Warehouse.

An additional few hundred pounds a month, after tax and expenses, could make a meaningful difference towards school fees. Naturally, any additional work needs to fit around your existing commitments and family life.

Sometimes making private education possible is a combination of spending a little less and earning a little more.

Can Grandparents Help Pay for Private School Fees?

Yes. For some families, grandparents or other relatives are delighted to contribute towards their children's or grandchildren's education.

They might offer to pay part of the fees, contribute a regular monthly amount or help with particular expenses.

It's worth having the conversation if you have family members who may be willing and able to help. They might value the opportunity to contribute towards their grandchild's education more than you realise.

Some independent schools also offer bursaries, scholarships or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking what support is available.

Are There Hidden Costs at Private Schools?

Before making a decision, make sure you understand exactly what's included in the fees.

Some schools charge separately for lunches, trips, extracurricular activities, music lessons or wraparound care, while others include many of these within their standard fees.

At The Mount, our fees include a broad range of educational experiences, and we offer sibling discounts for families with more than one child attending.

You can explore our current fees and what's included on our Fees and Funding page.

Is Private Education Worth Making Financial Sacrifices For?

Ultimately, that's something only you can decide.

For some families, the additional opportunities, smaller classes, specialist teaching and individual attention make independent education a priority. Others may find that their child is already flourishing in a state school and prefer to invest in experiences outside the classroom.

The best way to decide is to visit the schools you're considering. See the children learning, meet the teachers and experience the atmosphere for yourself.

At The Mount, everything we do comes back to our purpose: we exist to make childhood unforgettable.

We want children to enjoy an extraordinary childhood filled with learning, friendships, confidence, discovery and experiences that stay with them long after they leave us.

If that's the kind of education you're looking for, we'd love to show you around.