The current Labor government is said to be the most nationally educated in British history. Keir Starmer wasn't the only one to go to grammar school; all four of our great national officeholders were state-educated.
As Professor of Sociology at LSE sam friedman It describes this as a notable departure from past governments, which have traditionally been dominated by schoolboys from public schools as well as graduates from more exclusive circles. Two-thirds of this country's Prime Ministers have come from the so-called Clarendon School. The school is a group of nine of the most elite, prestigious, and expensive private boys' schools in the country.
In fact, it's not just government positions. Graduates of private schools are far more likely to hold disproportionate positions in Britain's elite, including judges, CEOs, newspaper editors and pop stars.
In his new book, Born to Rule, co-authored with Aaron Reeves, Freedman argues that this force has had a hugely unequal impact on British life, but remains an under-appreciated force when talking about class. He writes that it is the power of being.
But at the start of this term, the Labor government abolished the VAT exemption enjoyed by private schools in the UK, despite vocal opposition from the right-wing press. as Helen Pitt I ask whether the moment has finally come for the influence of private schools to be curbed.
