6 Reasons to Choose a Private School
Where does the value of an independent education lie?
Every family will have a different reason for considering a private school education. Uncovering the reasons why you are looking at an independent school for your child is an important part of the school search process. Defining what matters to you and your family will go a long way in helping you choose the right school.
Stepping foot on a private school campus you’ll probably find yourself surrounded by beautiful buildings, state-of-the-art facilities and endless resources for student engagement. It can be hard not to be impressed.
But is that what an independent education is really all about? Where is it that the true value of an independent education lies?
Parents considering Lichfield Cathedral School often ask these questions, and while we can’t promise you will find all your answers here, we do think it will help you better understand the benefits that a private education can provide.
1. The importance of values
Values are important. Just as you will have worked hard to instil your own values in the upbringing of your child, the right private school will build upon this foundation of values to drive student attitudes and success.
Families in private, independent schools are part of an educational community by choice. They have selected a school where the students and staff reflect their own family values through attitudes and behaviour, and good citizenship and ethics. They are choosing an environment that goes far beyond the classroom, where every day learning happens ‘beyond the bell’. The values of Lichfield Cathedral School are rooted in its Christian foundations and for centuries children have been taught in an environment focused on learning, faith, leadership and service. This commitment to educational excellence within the context of moral guidance enables young people to leave us as knowledgeable, engaged, ethical citizens eager to make a difference in the world.
2. Community matters
With the intentional community of an independent school environment, you are investing beyond the facilities. Private schools guide students into adulthood with the shared expertise of many - every moment within the structure and traditions of a private school becomes an opportunity for growth.
Working in such an all-encompassing environment is not for everyone. It requires more than a love of learning inside the classroom. It requires a desire to shape, develop and open young people’s minds.
Private school students benefit from committed teachers who are fully invested both in their career and lifestyle to teaching. They are the bedrock upon which we build a community that is aligned with the values of the school.
Lichfield Cathedral School forms the heart of our community – for students and staff alike. It is the epicentre of both academic and social life; a vibrant, exciting community where new connections are made, and lifelong friendships are forged.
3. Creating balance
Independent schools are experts at constructing a balance between structure and freedom that allows students to grow - to try new things, to take risks and to engage with life.
At the heart of quality after-school activities is the intention to develop a healthy mindset through an openness to trying new things and the development of both independence and teamwork.
Whether it’s competitive athletics or an introduction to a new sport; theatre and musical performances; opportunities for outdoor exploration; joining a science club or participating in the Model UN - the opportunities at Lichfield Cathedral School are endless.
Days are structured to ensure balance, and that time is created for both academic study and extra-curricular opportunities. The positive effects are long-lasting - a 25-year research study showed that adults who attended private school spend less time in front of television, more time in physical activities, and eat fewer take-aways compared to adults educated in the maintained sector.
4. Personal attention
Individual attention facilitates more than just good grades. It means that teachers have the time, both inside and outside of class to teach students how to think, not necessarily what to think. It allows teachers to create a safe learning environment that provides the freedom to experiment, foster creativity, and encourage innovation.
In the close-knit academic environment of Lichfield Cathedral School, opportunities are created that facilitate relationship building, communication skills, accountability, positive codes of conduct and personal responsibility. In short, every child is not only seen but known; not only known but supported, and encouraged to embrace new opportunities that will help them thrive and grow.
5. Focus on the future
For most parents - and students - independent school is about more than just the time they will spend there. It is about where it will lead, and ensuring the foundation is built for a successful future. Beyond the experiences and personal growth, families are also investing in higher education. The process is more than about how to apply and where your child will be accepted - it’s about gaining the confidence of knowing who you are and where you will thrive.
A private school education offers experiences and connections that support a wider viewpoint on the world. Students find themselves immersed in internationally diverse classrooms with engaged peers - they develop an empathetic global outlook and form a greater understanding of the impact of political decisions, both past and present.
Combined with opportunities for international travel, young people are exposed to experiences that traditional schools are unable to offer. When they find themselves in the right school, students graduating from independent school report feeling twice as prepared for university than state school graduates.
With outstanding academic and pastoral teams at Lichfield Cathedral School, you can expect your child will be known, heard, challenged, and fully supported in what will be a truly collaborative university selection journey.
6. Lifelong connections
Independent school graduates frequently achieve at a higher level - both during their university experience and in post-university careers. Alumni connection opportunities are strong, providing an advantage to graduates of all ages for networking, career coaching and job referrals.
Private schools often host events to facilitate face-to-face connections while also supporting a platform of online networking groups for alumni of all decades to engage with each other and stay in touch with their school community.
At Lichfield Cathedral School, alumni are active participants in our Careers Education programme, guiding students as they embark on their university, apprenticeship and employment journeys. This introduction to networking within the private school community of alumni and parents often leads to internships, job shadowing opportunities and career coaching support.
Conclusion
The decision between private and state schooling is a significant one for many families and often involves considerable economic considerations, not simply in terms of immediate costs, but assessing the long-term advantages. The return on investing in your child’s education can be measured in improved academic performance, higher quality communication and social skills, and enhanced networking, which combine to benefit career outcomes and earnings. For parents seeking to provide their child with the best possible start in life, Lichfield Cathedral School represents an outstanding choice.
