Private schools entrench privilege

If you're interested in education's role in creating, or not, a just society with opportunity for all to fulfil potential, then this is a must-read article. I seem to recall some of these stats, but collected together they seem to make a compelling case to change the way we organise education in the UK. It's here: How private schools ensure a life of privilege for their pupils | Education | The Observer And here's a taster:

"By the time this September's intake of five-year-olds arrives at the school gates, their futures are already being shaped. A bright baby from a poor background is liable to be overtaken by a less bright baby from a wealthy background by the age of 22 months, boosted by educated parents and a stimulating home environment, according to research first published by the then education secretary Estelle Morris. And that's just the start.

Almost 30% of children on free school meals did not get five good GCSEs last year: two thirds of children from lower socio-economic groups do not make it to A-levels. Children on free school meals represent just a staggering 0.5% of all pupils gaining three As at A-level, the magic circle eligible for places at top universities.

And it is not for lack of innate ability. The Sutton Trust, a charity that campaigns to improve educational opportunities for young people from non-privileged backgrounds, estimates that every year 60,000 pupils in the top 20% of their peer group academically do not make it to higher education. Bright pupils who are educated in poor neighbourhoods are more likely to be steered into NVQs, not academic exams, the trust's research suggests."

I'm particularly interested in that last remark because, making adjustments for era, that was me in the 70's and it is frustrating to think that it is still happening. By dint of opportunity and determination I did manage to get beyond the place in society that was being made for me. However, it did mean that I have played a long catch up in some areas to develop skills and discover perspectives that were 'handed' to those in grammar and private education. It shouldn't be that way.