Government 'should pay private fees for children with no primary places'

July 06 2010

The government could get around the problem of overcrowding in cities such as London by paying for children without state primary places to attend private schools, it has been claimed.

Writing for the Guardian, Catherine Stoker, Managing Director of Gabbitas educational consultants, suggested that this is a cheaper option than extending existing schools.

She pointed out that at a time when many private institutions have surplus places, it makes sense for the government to fill these.

"The relatively low cost of funding private places would mean that the government and the taxpayer could save money to plan a more strategic and sustainable development of increased primary places to meet future demand," Ms Stoker explained.

She added that many of the country's small prep schools are facing the threat of closure due to dwindling student numbers.

It was revealed earlier this month that many parents are unhappy with the primary school places being offered to them.

Appeals rose by 16 per cent this year, compared to 2009.

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