Choosing a school can be a big decision — whether you’re a parent, teacher, or education professional.
One of the most common questions we hear at Heart Teaching is: what’s the difference between private schools and public schools?
Let’s take a closer look at how they compare.
1. Funding and Fees
The biggest difference lies in how each type of school is funded.
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Public Schools (also known as state schools) are funded by the government and free for students to attend.
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Private Schools are independently funded, mainly through tuition fees paid by families.
This funding affects everything from facilities to class sizes.
2. Admissions
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Public Schools must accept students within their local catchment area and follow national admissions criteria.
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Private Schools can set their own admissions standards and may include entrance exams or interviews.
3. Curriculum
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Public Schools follow the National Curriculum, set by the Department for Education.
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Private Schools have more freedom to design their own curriculum, although many still follow standard qualifications like GCSEs and A-levels.
This can mean more flexibility or specialist subject offerings.
4. Class Sizes and Resources
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Private Schools often offer smaller class sizes, more extracurricular activities, and upgraded facilities.
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Public Schools may have larger class sizes due to funding constraints, but many still deliver excellent teaching and student outcomes.
5. Inspection and Oversight
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Public Schools are inspected by Ofsted.
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Private Schools are inspected by Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) or other approved bodies.
Both systems aim to ensure quality education, but they follow different standards.
6. Teacher Qualifications
Teachers in public schools must have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
In private schools, QTS is often preferred but not always required, depending on the school and subject.
Final Thoughts
Both public and private schools offer great opportunities — the right choice depends on your values, budget, location, and the individual needs of the child.
At Heart Teaching, we support education professionals in finding roles across both sectors. Whether you’re looking to teach in a public or private school, we can help you take the next step in your career.
