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Trust nobody who tells you it is necessary to send your children to private school, in order that they be successful in life. Such schools may be good for some people, but they are not a panacea. Indeed, for some people, they may do more damage than good.

Not going to a private school need not negatively affect your children’s life chances. Many of the most successful people I know went to ordinary state schools. Oh, yes, and then there’s me: I was sent to private school from the age of seven to sixteen, and left with lifelong self-esteem issues.

For five years of secondary school, I just remember being belittled by everyone. By teachers, by prefects, by other students. I was constantly made to feel inadequate and stupid. Stupid, is relative. I wasn’t the brightest student, that’s for sure, but it was only when I went to sixth-form college that I encountered teachers who offered me words of encouragement.

A few months ago, I decided to follow my old school’s alumni organisation. That didn’t last long though, for their newsletters simply gave me intense blues. I just felt an utter failure once more. I wouldn’t wish that experience on my worst enemies.

The best thing you can give your children is a sense of self-worth and happiness. The best education you can give your kids is contentment and self-confidence. Rest assured, with those qualities, they will go far.