Determinants of Parents’ Choice in Selection of Private Schools for Their Children in District Peshawar of Khyber Pakhunkhwa Province

Almost all parents want to educate their children in the best possible educational environment. Their decision to invest in children depends on a number of social, economic and cultural factors. Education in Pakistan is offered by both public and private sector educational institutions. It is free of cost in public schools whereas in private schools, the parents have to bear the financial burden. For the last three decades private sector is emerging as an important source of imparting education in Pakistan. It provides education at all levels. Many aspects regarding the education system of Pakistan have been discussed in various studies so far. However, the factors which motivate the parents to make a decision about private sector are yet to be explored.The present study was conducted in District Peshawar to know the factors which motivate the parents to educate their children in private schools and also highlight the factors which lead parents to avoid the public sector schools. Primary data was collected for this purpose from 200 parents of secondary school students. The results were derived by using descriptive as well as quantitative tools. Binomial Logistic Model was used as quantitative tool for estimation. The regression results show that family size, education level of parents, income of parents, staff qualifications and school performance are major factors which affect parents choice in selection of private school. Medium of instruction and teacher’s interest can also affect the parents’ choice. About 95.5 % of the surveyed parents believed that private schools produce self-confident students. Similarly, 88.5 % were of the view that these schools have a progressive mode of education, 86 % parents avoided public schools due to unsuitable educational environment and 89.5 % due to over crowded classes.The study suggests effective reward and punishment system in public schools, proper monitoring system for private schools, and motivation of public school teachers. It also suggests to encourage investment in private school system.