Tool

State or independent, after VAT: your numbers side by side

Many London families are redoing this sum. Put in your own figures and see the two routes next to each other, with every assumption visible. We give no verdict.

School

Fee-paying schools we hold a published fee for. Or leave blank and enter a fee.

Or a termly fee (£)

If you enter a fee, it is used instead of our data.

Child's year group now (2026-27)

Fees start in

Change this if your child joins the school later.

Assumed fee rise each year

0%3%5%My own figure

My own figure (% a year)

Split across two stages (for example prep, then senior)

Second school

Or its termly fee (£)

Second school starts in

Extras and one-off costs

Extras each year (£)

Your own estimate. We do not hold verified figures for these.

One-off costs (£)

Registration fee and deposit, from the school's own page.

The state-school route, in your numbers

Enter only the costs you would really take on. Leave the rest blank.

Tutoring each year (£)

For how many years

Extra cost of moving house (£)

For example the price difference to live nearer a school, plus moving costs. Your estimate.

Other costs each year (£)

Compare up to the end of

How this is calculated

The independent column is the same calculation as the Cost to 18 tool: published termly fee × three terms, raised each year by your chosen percentage.
The state column adds up only the figures you enter. State-funded schools charge no tuition fees. Your figures are not inflated.
Tutoring is counted for the number of years you give, capped at the years being compared.
The difference shown is one column minus the other. It is not a judgement about which route is better.
Independent school fees have carried 20% VAT since 1 January 2025. We never add VAT to a published fee that already includes it.

Sources: GOV.UK: VAT on private school fees.