The popular belief that Summerhill is a wild, unstructured society is totally untrue. Living in a democratic society where grievances are heard twice each week in the school meetings gives the pupils a strong sense of justice as well as an ability to listen to, and understand, the other person's point of view. Thus they are well prepared for interacting with others in the outside world. Although they, like many others, will find some rules petty and unnecessary, they are tolerant and understanding enough to deal with it. Yes, we take the standard English school exams, GCSEs at ordinary level, though of course they are not complusory.
Most Summerhill pupils take some exams before they leave.
Obviously this depends to some degree upon the personal circumstances of the child before and during their stay at the school. Some children who have come to the school with emotional problems are still going to have to deal with many of them into their adult lives. Yes, we have several. We try to keep the day fees as low as possible for people who cannot afford to board. Summerhill pupils are not forced to be here - they choose to be.