The Reign of Private English Medium Schools

In Pakistan, acquiring proficiency in English is often considered a means of gaining access to better employment opportunities and achieving upward social mobility. In a society characterised by acute class division and intense class consciousness, parents from the lower, lower middle or working strata aspire to enrol their children in English-medium schools. Public demand for English medium schooling has led to an exponential growth of varied types of schools over the last three decades. The education system in Pakistan is divided into three main categories: state-influenced elitist public schools or cadet colleges, private elitist schools, and non-elitist schools. The private sector has an increasingly large share in education, with solid public-private partnership models to enhance access to quality education for those in need.

Private English medium schools emerged as a dependable alternative in Pakistan without a viable public sector education. The deplorable conditions of public sector schools are evident to all. Educating children in private English medium schools is not only an academic necessity, but it has also acquired a tag of social prestige. Sending kids to government schools is considered a social stigma for middle-class families. However, despite the high demand for English medium education, there are concerns about the quality of education these private schools provide. A project by the British Council seeking to enhance Pakistan's English-medium education system reveals, in a report it, that the current situation is a cause for serious concern. The report shows 94% of teachers need minimum standards to provide quality English medium education. Therefore, the growing problem is that private English medium schools in Pakistan are more interested in making money than dispensing quality education.

The following discussion is based on my personal experiences as a parent and my communication with other parents in person and on social media platforms.

Poor Quality of Teaching

The quality of teaching and learning in private English medium schools is the parents' primary cause of concern. Parents argue that teaching is done superficially, and some private schools focus on rote learning of facts and figures rather than understanding the underlying concepts. According to parents, teachers and school management are more concerned about monthly and term tests than learning. Teachers are very committed to sharing test preparation guidelines with parents, as if teaching is the responsibility of parents or tutors and schools are only responsible for conducting examinations. Parents claim that, more often than not, prescribed teaching course still needs to be completed, and just a few days before the exam, teachers hurriedly run over exam topics. Some parents argue that private English medium schools are more relaxed and offer a less challenging academic environment due to their commercial interests. This can lead to students not being as prepared for the demands of higher education or the workforce. Teachers should also focus on individual learners, and there is much to learn from successful schooling models, for example, that of Finland, to improve the quality of teaching and learning in private schools. 

Exorbitant School Fees

There are many examples of private English medium schools in Pakistan that only operate to make money rather than provide quality education. They are too expensive. The cost of attending a private English medium school can be prohibitive for many families, which can further exacerbate the problem of elitism. Many parents argue that despite paying exorbitant fees, they do not get the value for money and demand that government should increase its regulation of private schools to ensure they meet high standards.

Teachers' Induction and Training

Parents question the induction policy for new teachers. They argue that many teachers need to have relevant degrees and training. Many private schools hire unqualified teachers or teachers who need to gain relevant experience. This leads to poor-quality instruction and a lack of learning. Besides, it is reported that changing subject teachers during a term is a common practice in private schools; sometimes, two or three teachers of a subject are swapped, causing difficulties for learners and confusion for parents.

 Teachers' Salaries

Some parents think the low compensation paid to private school instructors contributes to their high turnover rate and the unavailability of skilled educators. This can harm the quality of education and the learning environment. Parents argue that private schools purely operate on commercial principles and that school management is least concerned about teachers' welfare and job security.

Overemphasis on Extracurricular Activities

Interestingly, it is argued that private schools emphasise extracurricular activities, such as sports and music, at the expense of academic instruction. This can be seen as a way to attract more students and make more money at the expense of quality education. Parents complain that too many extracurricular programs not only affect the academic schedule and learning but they have to bear the cost of these activities involving their children.

Private Schools are Merely More of the Same

Some parents lament that there are few affordable choices despite the mushrooming growth of private English medium schools. They all operate on commercial principles. They argue that there are some reputable schools in big cities like Karachi and Lahore, but generally, prestigious schools are inaccessible to many people from the middle class. Parents argue they have few options in Hyderabad, and private English medium schools are more of the same.

Commercial Nexus

Parents bemoan the fact that the commercial agenda of private schools goes beyond school boundaries. School management dictates that students must buy their uniforms, books, and other supplies from designated retailers to attend school, which are generally more expensive than the market. Parents are made to pay for underused online subscriptions and even AC installation and maintenance charges. Schools even use tactics to convince parents to enrol their children in additional programs or services, such as tutoring or test preparation.

To conclude, these are just a few examples of how private English medium schools in Pakistan operate to make money rather than provide quality education. The debate over private English medium schools in Pakistan is complex, and there is no easy answer. However, it is clear that these schools play an essential role in Pakistani society, and it is crucial to ensure that they provide students with a high-quality education accessible to all. Let me admit that not all private English medium schools in Pakistan are the same, and some do not fit the criticisms outlined above. However, these criticisms are common, raising important questions about the role of private English medium schools in Pakistani society.

https://www.britishcouncil.org/contact/press/english-medium-education-improvement-pakistan-supported