I taught for thirty seven years is in a state comprehensive school but having said this, we sent both of our sons to a private school. My wife was also a teacher in the same school but we decided that, as both of our lads were typical boys and our eldest son especially could be easily influenced by the wrong element, we would pay for their education. After my parents passed away we were left their property and decided to use the money for the boys' education. It was the best decision we ever made. Both of them often thank us now as they loved every minute at the school and many of their best friends are ex-pupils who they are still in touch with on a regular basis. They have both turned out well and have good careers.
I agree with those posters who were saddened by the demise of the state grammar schools, one of which I attended, as they gave an excellent education to everybody with ability and not just to those who could financially afford it. In my opinion, the problem with today's society is that we dumb down to the mediocre and don't encourage excellence. Nobody must feel to be a failure!