Determinants of Household Demand for Private Secondary School Education in Sheema Municipality

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the determinants of household demand for private secondary school education in Sheema Municipality. The study objectives included; to establish the influence of parental education level on demand for private secondary school education in Sheema Municipality, to examine influence of household income status on demand for private secondary school education in Sheema Municipality; and to ascertain the influence of family size on demand for private secondary school education in Sheema Municipality.This study used a cross-sectional survey design. The study population comprised of the Directors of Schools, head teachers, deputy head-teachers, Municipal Inspectors of School, Municipal Education Officer, teachers, students’ representatives and parents’ representatives, equivalent to 186 respondents. These respondents were purposively and simple randomly selected. Questionnaires, interview guide and focus group discussions were used in data collection. These data were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. The study findings revealed that the common reasons for choosing private schools is that educated parents believe their children get a superior education; parents who are highly qualified want to provide their children education in private schools; and informed parents always have positive beliefs on the education services provided by private schools to be better thus influencing their decision to school choice. The study results also revealed that family material possessions influences parents’ choice of school for their children; the household income status and household savings influence parents’ choice of school for their children in this community. The study revealed that the number of school going children; children from polygamous family; and children from larger families are the major influence of family size on demand for private secondary school education in Sheema Municipality. Basing on the above, it is concluded that various determinants of household demand has an influence on the private secondary school education in Sheema Municipality. The study recommended that family size should be minimized. This can be achieved through control of child birth, and avoiding polygamous marriages. This shall enhance parents’ ability to have the best choice for their children; and areas of further research were suggested.