In the UK, the Sutton Trust charity analysed admissions from 2002-06, and has concluded that state school pupils are losing out. The trust found the number of pupils at the top 30 comprehensives who went to Oxbridge was just a third of what might be expected if based on ability; while at the top 30 independent schools, more than expected got Oxbridge places.
In August News and Views we shared the results of surveys showing that girls (who achieve better exam results) think ability matters, while boys think that who you know is more important. We guessed the boys were right, but wish they weren’t. The report from Sutton Trust is therefore sad, but expected news.
It gives heightened reason to any initiative you can make to improve information flows so that cronyism becomes less important than ability. The Sutton Trust is committing at least £10 million over the next five years to lift the chances of youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds – s great step in the right direction.
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