Our Top Tips

1. Know what you need. Don’t sit there and worry, or guess how much private education costs or assume it is going to be too expensive. Use the Allabout Modeller ™ or do your own research, get your calculator out and determine exactly what schools fees you think you’ll be paying over the coming years. They could be less than you think!

2. If you believe fees will rise by more than you’ll make on your savings, pay them in advance. Most schools let you pay from a term to many years ahead, at current prices. Some will also offer discounts on current fee levels.

3. Ask about Bursaries and Scholarships; you might be surprised at what could qualify you for a bursary. Even expensive schools are keen to attract less well-off applicants, so as to boost their position as regards them claiming charitable status.

4. Consider setting up a savings account fund to just be spent on school or college fees. Ask Grandparents, Godparents and relatives to contribute to this instead of the usual Birthday and Christmas presents.

5. Be creative. Think about paying now into a pension fund, gaining the tax relief and then withdrawing a lump sum when you are 55 to pay for fees. Read more about this idea in the Allabout Library ™.

6. Take professional advice. Consult an Independent Financial Advisor for qualified advice on how to organise your finances.

7. Speak to the school if you are in trouble. They don’t want you to withdraw your child any more than you do. They may be able to help with a fee deferral or repayment schedule.