Helpdesk Report: Comparing the performance of private versus public secondary education
This report examines the evidence for India and the wider region
Abstract
Query
What evidence is there, for India and the region in particular, comparing the learning achievements and relative cost of private versus public secondary education, as indicators of their relative performance?
Summary
Evidence comparing public versus private schools in secondary education, in India and the region, is ultimately sparse. While there is a good body of evidence to deal separately with comparing learning achievement, unit costs, and gender and equity issues, or with the broader debate on public versus private, studies that combine these elements are few and far between. Where there is a much more solid body of evidence is on primary school education and particularly in Pakistan.
There is some evidence for advantages in private schooling, particularly when focusing on learning achievements within specific subjects. Studies also provide good insight into the methodological challenges in comparing public and private schools, and in isolating the factors that influence learning achievement.
Citation
Martin, K. Helpdesk Report: Comparing the performance of private versus publicsecondary education. Human Development Resource Centre, UK (2011) 6 pp.
Links