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What is the equivalent of public school in England?

GeneralClass 12AllAnswered 27 Mar 2026
Answer

The American "public school" (free, government-funded) is equivalent to "state school" in England. Conversely, England's "public schools" (Eton, Winchester) are equivalent to American "private schools"—elite, fee-paying institutions. This reversed terminology confuses many. When Americans say "public education," they mean what the British call "state education."

General · Class 12