There is no school type that is best for every child. Compare the specific schools your child could attend: how they meet their learning and support needs, what they teach, the evidence about their provision, whether your child can get a place, and whether the cost and journey work for your family. This guide uses England’s admissions and school-information system; arrangements differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
What “state school” and “independent school” mean in England
“State school” is commonly used to mean a state-funded school. The Department for Education describes independent schools as registered schools that do not receive government funding and often charge fees. Neither label tells you whether a particular school is right for your child.
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In January 2026, 560,300 pupils attended independent schools in England, representing 6.3% of the school population, according to the Department for Education’s 2025/26 school statistics. That is a participation figure, not evidence that one sector is better for an individual pupil.
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How to compare schools for your child
- Set your child’s priorities. Note which subjects and teaching approaches engage them, what learning or special educational needs support they require, and what matters for wellbeing, friendships, interests, faith or community. Use these as questions for each school rather than assuming a sector will meet them.
- Identify schools and check the admissions route. In England, ask your local council about state-funded schools and their admission arrangements. Contact independent schools directly about available places, entry points, selection and application processes. If your child has an education, health and care (EHC) plan, check how it affects placement: GOV.UK says a school named in the plan must give the child a place. The Department for Education’s school admissions guidance explains the England process.
- Compare published information on the same basis. Review each school’s admissions arrangements, curriculum, behaviour policy, special educational needs (SEN) information report, performance information and latest inspection report. Check the relevant age group and year behind each measure. Look at context and trends rather than treating one score as a complete account of the school.
- Visit and ask about your child’s needs. GOV.UK recommends visiting schools; many hold open days. Observe how pupils and staff interact, and ask the relevant staff how teaching, pastoral care and any required support work day to day. Ask your child what they noticed. Other parents can offer an additional perspective, but their experience is not a substitute for checking the school’s own arrangements.
- Calculate the sustainable cost and journey. Ask an independent school for a current written schedule of tuition fees and compulsory or likely additional charges, payment terms and any bursary or assistance criteria. Include transport, meals, uniform, activities and childcare where relevant. Consider how travel time and the school day fit family routines. The evidence available here establishes no representative national fee or universal entitlement to financial assistance, so confirm details with each school.
- Weigh the options using your priorities. Compare the shortlisted schools against the same criteria, then decide how the evidence fits your child’s needs and your family’s finances and practical circumstances. The sector label alone is not a measure of fit.
What official data can—and cannot—tell you
Performance and school information
The Department for Education’s Compare the performance of schools and colleges in England service includes exam and test results, Ofsted reports and financial information. The Get information about schools service provides school information and links to relevant services. School websites must publish admissions arrangements, curriculum and behaviour policies, inspection and performance links, key-stage attainment and progress measures, and an SEN information report. These sources help you investigate a school; they do not capture every aspect of a pupil’s daily experience.
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Read inspection figures with their dates and scope
Ofsted’s 2024/25 annual report says that 79% of non-association independent schools inspected in standard inspections during that year were judged good or outstanding for overall effectiveness, and 86% met the independent school standards. Separately, as at 31 August 2025, 83% of independent schools were judged good or outstanding at their most recent standard inspection. These are distinct measures: one concerns inspections in 2024/25, while the other is a snapshot of the latest standard inspection for schools at a specified date. They do not constitute a head-to-head comparison with state-funded schools or prove that one sector is superior. Read the latest report for each school and note its date and inspection framework. The figures are in Ofsted’s Annual report: Education, Children’s Services and Skills 2024/25.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which UK nation is the school in?
The admissions and comparison services described above apply to England. Official guidance notes that admissions processes and school-information services differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. If you live elsewhere in the UK, use the relevant nation’s guidance and local school information rather than applying England’s process or figures.
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