Depends on the schools in the area. I would prefer to send my kids private but I don't want them growing up to be too pampered. When I grew up I went to state school, and that way I got to know the people in my area. It's safer to be among certain groups of kids than outside that group. However if the schools education standard was very poor, I'd send them private. But only until they are 12, then hopefully they will achieve the standard to be accepted at a Grammar School.