from best to worst:
good private school
good state school/grammar
bad private school
bad state school
-- the argument that going to a state school is great because you get to meet people from all walks of life is just bolloks:
1, you can do that outside of school - just join a local club/group if you care about it that much.
2, you have your whole life to meet people and broaden your experience, best to focus on your education while your young.
3, its risky for parents, friends are hugely influential - In my professional life, I have seen many good quite kids get into the wrong crowd of people and then ruin their chances in education just because they want to fit in, and they want to follow their new friends. Also, what is more valuable in the long-run, letting your kid mix with all cultures and backgrounds - or letting your kids mix with people who will one day probably be running the country, and be in charge of its biggest companies?
The decision for parents should be simple:
1, can you afford private school? yes/no.. if no, then send them to the best free school that you can.
2, does your kid have other talents/passions that would benefit from investment? (arts, sports, etc)
3, can you afford to invest in both? - if so, go to private school and invest in their passions/talents.. if not, choose what is more important to you
4, are you resentful of rich people, and look down on them? if so, ignore whats most likely to bring your kids success, and send them to state schools.
- Its amazing how many of the liberal elite who desire equality, still send their kids to private schools (a lot of the labour high-ups for instance). What we do with our kids really draws back to our basic instincts, and they normally end up in us doing whats best for them, regardless of how it effects others.