[HPforGrownups] Hogwarts as state school (was what do squib children do for schooling?)

[The Crashing Boar]

No: HPFGUIDX 71824

----- Original Message ----- 
  <<<snip>Hogwarts has a place for all the children in Britain with magic in 
  them, in order that they learn how to use that magic in their daily 
  life as well as their careers. As such, it has a responsibility to 
  ensure that all of those magical children get the proper training, 
  thus preventing lifetimes of blown-up aunts and blue-haired 
  teachers. No mention has been made of fees payed to Hogwarts, except 
  by Vernon Dursley, who assumes that it works along the lines of a 
  Muggle boarding school. I'm going to counter that assumption with my 
  own: Hogwarts must be state-run, because the Ministry wouldn't be 
  able to interfere to the degree it does were the school privately 
  funded. <snip>>>

  There is no indication that Hogwarts has ever been a state school - it was set up and run for the education of witches and wizards by it's four founders, it remained that way even after Slytherin went off in a huff because the others insisted that it included the Muggle born too (which seems a good indication it was not state run, if it was up to the staff/owners alone to set the entry qualification).  Even in the most exclusive private schools in Britain, there are state inspections and regulations that MUST be adhered to in order to retain their claim as a school.  This seems to be the way Hogwarts had gone, until Fudge managed to get rid of Dumbledore from the 'Government', and forced through new legislation (with a lot of hints as to AD being crazy, and the school/children needing protection from him).  

  I have suggested in other posts that we are assuming that all magical children are *offered* a place, because Harry was.  This may not be the case.  All children may be offered to APPLY for a place, but those of lesser ability, without a family connection and/or without the means to pay any applicable fees (whether directly or through scholarships/grants) may have to find alternative means.  State funded education for the masses in the Muggle world is a fairly recent innovation, after all.  Harry may be in receipt of a grant or trust fund he has no knowledge of.

  Of course, if you want canon evidence to the fact entry isn't automatic for magical children(I haven't got my books to hand, I can't quote) I believe it is stated that Dumbledore actually had to fight to get two pupils admitted, one because he was a werewolf, the other who was simply a half breed.

  Dawn


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