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  • I used to know the IT Manager for a private school fairly well, went down to see him to discuss stuff quite often - and as part of that we’d discuss the school. He was sending both his kids to a local comprehensive, despite both being eligible for the (highly) reduced fees that the school offered for the staff.

    His view was that the overall academic performance for pupils without behavioral issues* was no better than public education - but in terms of sports, activities and forming a group of friends who would likely be in positions of influence in future there was no comparison.

    For example they had sports classes daily, and they had all the kit and infrastructure - rather than a bag of footballs on a Wednesday afternoon being all you could hope for.

    * In this case the academic difference was a chasm

  • but in terms of sports

    I used to play rugby for Old Alleynians, the club that used to only exist for ex-Dulwich College pupils. They "opened their doors" in the 80's I think, hence me being able to play there. But still, there is a deep link to the school (grounds rented from them, a ton of actual old boys still registered etc.). We used to use the school's facilities if our club was rained out or if there were too many home games on. Seeing what they had at the school just for rugby, was nuts. I never even got to count all the pitches, or how many different changing rooms or changing room buildings there were. They also have a big sports centre which is like an expensive leisure centre. Kids come out of there at 18 like professional athletes (along with all their other problematic personality traits).

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