Choosing between an independent and a state primary school is a big decision for any family. In Buckinghamshire, where the 11 plus shapes so many children’s next steps, it can feel even more important. Both routes can give children an excellent start, but they work in different ways. This guide sets out the main differences so you can make the choice that suits your child and your family.
How Independent and State Primary Schools Are Funded
State primary schools are funded by the government and are free to attend. Independent schools, also called private schools, are funded mainly through the fees parents pay. Fees pay for the things many families value in the independent sector, such as smaller classes, specialist teachers and extra facilities.
Class Sizes and Individual Attention
In state infant classes, the legal limit is 30 pupils per qualified teacher, and many junior classes are of a similar size. Independent schools set their own class sizes, and most keep them much smaller.
Why smaller classes make a difference
With fewer children, teachers have more time for each pupil. They notice quickly when a child is struggling or ready to move on, and quieter children have more chances to take part. We look at this in more depth in our guide to why small class sizes matter in the early years.
Curriculum and Teaching
State primary schools, other than academies, must follow the National Curriculum. Independent schools can design their own curriculum. Most use the National Curriculum as a base and build on it with a broader range of subjects and experiences.
Specialist teachers
Independent schools often bring in specialist teachers for music, sport, languages, the arts and STEAM from an early age. Children learn from teachers with real expertise, which can spark interests that last a lifetime.
Enrichment and extracurricular activities
Trips, workshops, visiting speakers and clubs are part of life at most primary schools, but independent schools often have more room for them in the timetable and more resources to support them.
Early Years: Nursery and Reception
All registered early years settings in England, state and independent, follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. The framework is the same, but the experience can differ. Independent schools often have smaller groups, more adults per child and the chance to stay on the same site from nursery through to Year 6. Our guide to the EYFS explains the framework in more detail.
Inspection and Accountability
State schools are inspected by Ofsted. Most independent schools that belong to recognised associations are inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI). Early years provision is also covered by these inspections. Reading a school’s latest report is a good way to understand its strengths.
Preparing for the Buckinghamshire 11 Plus
Buckinghamshire has 13 grammar schools, and entry is through the Secondary Transfer Test in September of Year 6. There is one important practical difference between the two sectors:
- Children at state-funded primary schools in Buckinghamshire are entered for the test automatically, unless parents opt out.
- Children at independent schools must be registered for the test by their parents, usually during the summer term of Year 5.
Independent prep schools also tend to build the skills the test rewards, such as comprehension, reasoning and confident maths, into everyday teaching. Read our parent’s guide to the Buckinghamshire 11 plus for the full timeline.
Pastoral Care and Wellbeing
Every good school cares about children’s wellbeing. In a smaller independent school, staff tend to know every child and family well, which makes it easier to notice when something is not right and to act quickly.
Wraparound Care and the School Day
Many independent schools offer extended days with breakfast clubs and after-school care, which helps working parents. State schools vary a great deal in what they provide. It is worth asking about hours, costs and holiday provision wherever you apply.
Why Families Choose Griffin House
Griffin House School is a non-selective independent prep school for children aged two to 11 at Little Kimble, near Aylesbury. Families choose us for our small classes, specialist teaching, five acres of grounds in the Chiltern Hills and the close care we give every child. Our All Day Care runs from 7.45am to 6pm, and our pupils go on to grammar, independent and state secondary schools across the county.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not automatically. There are excellent schools in both sectors. The right choice depends on your child’s needs, what you value in education and what is practical for your family. Visiting schools is the best way to decide.
Yes, many do. The difference is that parents of children at independent schools must register them for the Secondary Transfer Test, as they are not entered automatically.
They do not have to, but most use it as a foundation and build on it. All registered early years settings, including independent nurseries, follow the EYFS.
Yes. Children can join an independent school at many points. At non-selective schools such as Griffin House, the Headteacher meets each family and a report from the child’s current school is requested.
