The Student Room Group

7% of the Britsih population is privately educated, but they get 60% of the TOP jobs.

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Reply 60
I agree that Private education should be banned. I think it should be compulsory for all to attend a state school, and if some want to fork out for private tuition in their own time, that's up to them.
I don't see why the wealth and social standing of your family should guarantee you a better quality education leading to a better career. There are young people growing up in sink estates who, given the right opportunities, are twice as smart as these private school kids coming out with 3A's. What you achieve and how well you achieve it in life should be entirely down to your determination and effort, not what your parents could afford.
It is a very, very bleak statistic. It shows the top 7% are being recycled again and again for the top jobs. The same families buying their way through life again and again.
I'm from a rather typically wealthy town, Harrogate. Very divided in that the proportion in private education here is probably much higher than the national average. For 5 years I attended a school often considered one of the rougher schools locally (nationally it isn't remotely, it was rated outstanding by Ofsted), which is just over the road (literally) from an expensive private school with boarding facilities. I grew up knowing the kids over the road would get a better education because they could afford it, they would get into a better university because of their background, and that they were more likely than me to get the top jobs. The effect of that isnt a pleasant one...I dont like the sound of a society divided so obviously by wealth, and thats what private edication does. I worked my ass off, and to be honest, it paid off for me at GCSE. I can guarantee that given the quality of education I received, I worked harder than those at private schools did to get those grades. Just like how I can guarantee you that a kid in a failing state school worked twice as hard as me to get what he did.
The standard of teaching plays a massive, massive role in what you can achieve, there's no doubt about it. I don't believe in the idea that some people should be able to buy themselves the best. We need to focus on getting all schools in this country up to standard. It's difficult to do when all the best staff are getting sucked up by the private schools and offered to those who can fork out for it.
Reply 61
Original post by AK0001
You do realise that half of that £30k is spent on boarding, and you are right, only a minority of schools charge such high fees.

So you agree that that the State is responsible for a miss-allocation of resources? That it is squandering millions of pounds? That it recruits the weakest and most incompetent teachers?

If you read the statements of the principal of Westminster school, time and time again, he says that they take gambles when it comes to choosing teachers. That often most of their lessons are not based on the curriculum, that they seek to challenge their students, and foster an environment that applauds hard work and individualism. You know what my old principal put on my college's website "There's more to life at XYZ Sixth Form College than hard work..."

I agree with you in so far as to say that the cultural differences between the two is detrimental to society.


Yes, the State does often get terrible teachers. I need only look back on my time at school and college to tell you that. I think that the Westminster headteacher and your has it absolutely spot on, but he's in a position whereby such gambles can be taken. Even so, I doubt these "gambles" of teachers are any worse than some of the best at some state schools. I just think it's a shame that such a gulf can exist in the 21st-century, but I appreciate my state education highly and, in a weird way, pity people who have paid so much money.
It's not exactly a coincidence when the better educated get the better jobs. Its capitalism, the more money you have, the better off you are.

Plus saying that all private school kids are snobbish upper-class types is just ignorant. I go to a private school and the majority of people are middle-class who simply put a lot of effort into their work.
(edited 12 years ago)
Reply 63
Original post by M'Ling
Yes, the State does often get terrible teachers. I need only look back on my time at school and college to tell you that. I think that the Westminster headteacher and your has it absolutely spot on, but he's in a position whereby such gambles can be taken. Even so, I doubt these "gambles" of teachers are any worse than some of the best at some state schools. I just think it's a shame that such a gulf can exist in the 21st-century, but I appreciate my state education highly and, in a weird way, pity people who have paid so much money.


I disagree with my headteacher lol. You should put 100% effort into everything you do.

What he means by gambles, are the slightly eccentric type.

It is a shame, but it's the State's fault and I agree that the gulf is sickening. Thomas Wolsey, son of a butcher, educated at Oxford, became known as "the other king" during the reign of Henry VIII. I'm not suggesting that our era is less socially mobile, but still!
(edited 12 years ago)
Reply 64
Original post by THECHOOSENONE
I'm gob-smacked really. Just read a disgusting stat, that states that, 7% of people our privately educated in this country, but they make up 60% of the top jobs in this county ranging from, financial services, The law basically high end jobs.

Now I know the snobs will just tell me that they our well educated and deserve all they get, well sir in my opinion it shows just how much of a unfair divide exists between the upper classes and the ordinary folk.

I have no respect for the silver spooned that rub their privilege in peoples faces. I have all respect for the self made but not snobs. Anyway this stat highlights the considerable troubles that hurt society :mad::mad:


You did not just write that?? You do realise the the British 'Upper Class' is different from the American 'Upper Class' etc? In Britain, 'Upper Class' is inherited, so you could have a Duke of so-and-so Shire who is very, very poor. In America, the 'Upper Class' tends to be directly related to wealth.

And your stupidity at thinking that only rich, 'Upper Class' people go to private schools is ludicrous. Your mentioning of 'us ordinary folk' is ridiculously laughable. And your generalisation that all private schoolers are 'snobs' is just plain ignorant. As is your thinking that all private schoolers are 'silver spooned'.

Lastly, private schools are indeed on the whole better than state schools. This is because private schools are funded by parents and external bodies, thus creating more funds for the school. In Britain, state schools are funded by the State and in reality, huge amounts of cash are not spent on education in contrast with that of private schools. Private schools thus have more funds to organise trips at subsidised prices, have much more extra-curricular ventures and are able to employ better teachers and facilitate a better curriculum than state schools - they are also not obliged to follow the State curriculum, further displaying how inadequate the state school system in Britain is.
The intelligent people are privately educated so are always going to get the top jobs, it's basic logic really and I'm surprised it's not more like 80%; I suppose they have to let in a few povs.
Original post by thegaffer91
Hasn't anyone thought that there may be a genetic influence here?.


none of my parents, grandparents or any relation of mine went to university or did a skilled job and I just got 5 A'S at my Higher exams. I don't think its genetic, I just got a better rate of education. I've gone to a good (state) school and my parents went to a rough one where the teaching wasn't as great. That's what it is.
(edited 12 years ago)
Original post by THECHOOSENONE
I'm gob-smacked really. Just read a disgusting stat, that states that, 7% of people our privately educated in this country, but they make up 60% of the top jobs in this county ranging from, financial services, The law basically high end jobs.

Now I know the snobs will just tell me that they our well educated and deserve all they get, well sir in my opinion it shows just how much of a unfair divide exists between the upper classes and the ordinary folk.

I have no respect for the silver spooned that rub their privilege in peoples faces. I have all respect for the self made but not snobs. Anyway this stat highlights the considerable troubles that hurt society :mad::mad:


The best jobs go to the people who will do the best at 'em. It's obvious that the people who are privately educated will have the best chance of being well educated, and so they'll get the good jobs...
Reply 68
Original post by thegaffer91
Hasn't anyone thought that there may be a genetic influence here?

If people are rich, chances are it is because they are very clever. If not clever, then have some talent, like sport or music. Even if you don't agree that these people should be paid highly, the people who consume their services do, and it would be horrendous for the public sector to meddle in private sector wages (although this is another debate altogether).

Of all the very rich people in the world, not many don't deserve it. This is often passed down through their genes to their children and grandchildren, meaning they are also very intelligent people. Going to a private school simply enhances this natural intelligence, allowing them to use it to the full potential. Even if they didn't get the best education (except maybe if they were in one of the worst schools in the country), many of them would probably still make it into one of these top jobs. Surely it is better to try to move the standard of the worst off upwards rather than prevent those at the top from getting too far ahead of the others?



I totally disagree with your point that people who go to private school are naturally clever. They simply get the best teaching and resources available, which is why they have to pay. They are spoon fed the information and just have to regurgiatate it on the page. If they went to public schools they wouldn't get nearly as much support and probably not achieve as much, unless they are genuinely clever.
I think that private schools don't give a real experience of the whole world as they the students are completely disillusioned with society and don't know what it's like to have to get everything yourself.
I don't disagree that if you want the best education, you should go to a private school, because this is true.

Also, 40% of people who go to Oxbridge come from a private school, which shows how academically successful they are.
Personally though, I believe it's the whole rounded experience of school which is essential, and private schools don't give this.
Reply 69
As a freelance artist, this doesn't concern me. Creativity isn't something that's taught via private education (if anything, education destroys creativity).

However, for those aiming in this direction of work (lawyers, doctors etc) then it's not difficult to understand why the privately tutored exceed in qualifications. After all, teaching at a private school pays more than teaching at a public, doesn't it? And so obviously the better teachers are going to be chosen for positions at private schools, leading to a 'better education' for those students. It's a tough thing to avoid; and it's a problem that's existed for centuries.

Of course, it's by no means FAIR. But then, life isn't.

A close relative of mine is privately taught at a very prestiguous school. However, I wouldn't consider her arrogant. If the parents have worked hard for their money (which they have) then I don't see a problem with spending that money on educating their children privately. However, I do not condone upper class parents who do not teach their children to understand that money does not make them any better than the working man.
Original post by THECHOOSENONE
I'm gob-smacked really. Just read a disgusting stat, that states that, 7% of people our privately educated in this country, but they make up 60% of the top jobs in this county ranging from, financial services, The law basically high end jobs.

Now I know the snobs will just tell me that they our well educated and deserve all they get, well sir in my opinion it shows just how much of a unfair divide exists between the upper classes and the ordinary folk.

I have no respect for the silver spooned that rub their privilege in peoples faces. I have all respect for the self made but not snobs. Anyway this stat highlights the considerable troubles that hurt society :mad::mad:


Stop crying because you just failed the 11+....

Btw if you have just failed your 11+ you have to try much harder because it shows your PEERS ARE SMARTER THAN YOU AT THAT MOMENT. You have to catch up not get lazy and start playing video games after you found out you flunked the 11+ thats why private schools and grammar schools do so well and the rest dont.
(edited 12 years ago)
Private schools are better. This figure has skewed towards them since the end of grammar schools. Comprehensive education = fail.
Reply 72
Original post by James0507
I agree that Private education should be banned. I think it should be compulsory for all to attend a state school, and if some want to fork out for private tuition in their own time, that's up to them.
I don't see why the wealth and social standing of your family should guarantee you a better quality education leading to a better career. There are young people growing up in sink estates who, given the right opportunities, are twice as smart as these private school kids coming out with 3A's. What you achieve and how well you achieve it in life should be entirely down to your determination and effort, not what your parents could afford.
It is a very, very bleak statistic. It shows the top 7% are being recycled again and again for the top jobs. The same families buying their way through life again and again.
I'm from a rather typically wealthy town, Harrogate. Very divided in that the proportion in private education here is probably much higher than the national average. For 5 years I attended a school often considered one of the rougher schools locally (nationally it isn't remotely, it was rated outstanding by Ofsted), which is just over the road (literally) from an expensive private school with boarding facilities. I grew up knowing the kids over the road would get a better education because they could afford it, they would get into a better university because of their background, and that they were more likely than me to get the top jobs. The effect of that isnt a pleasant one...I dont like the sound of a society divided so obviously by wealth, and thats what private edication does. I worked my ass off, and to be honest, it paid off for me at GCSE. I can guarantee that given the quality of education I received, I worked harder than those at private schools did to get those grades. Just like how I can guarantee you that a kid in a failing state school worked twice as hard as me to get what he did.
The standard of teaching plays a massive, massive role in what you can achieve, there's no doubt about it. I don't believe in the idea that some people should be able to buy themselves the best. We need to focus on getting all schools in this country up to standard. It's difficult to do when all the best staff are getting sucked up by the private schools and offered to those who can fork out for it.


Surely if parents wish to send their children into state schools it is their right to?

Where do you draw the line? Socialised housing for all children so they don't feel left out? Socialised holidays?

There is a problem if state schools are inadequate, so the focus should be on improving them, not restricting parents' choices.
Reply 73
Original post by Azarimanka
Private schools are better. This figure has skewed towards them since the end of grammar schools. Comprehensive education = fail.


How?

Surely it depends on how determined the individual is to succeed? Some comprehensive schools can be very good.
Reply 74
Original post by rosee92
At the risk of negs - sometimes it's not what you know, it's who you know.


it's not who you know, it's who you blow!
Original post by Iron Lady
How?

Surely it depends on how determined the individual is to succeed? Some comprehensive schools can be very good.


Certainly - I don't doubt that, but it helps to be in an atmosphere without less academically able people.
Reply 76
Original post by Azarimanka
Certainly - I don't doubt that, but it helps to be in an atmosphere without less academically able people.


Agreed.
Original post by Iron Lady
Agreed.


The Stat that interests me is the Oxbridge figures - in the days of Grammar schools 76% of students at Oxford and Cambridge were state educated. Since the onset of Comprehensive education this has dropped nearly 30%. That says something, because I don't think private schools have improved that much since then.
Original post by THECHOOSENONE
I'm gob-smacked really. Just read a disgusting stat, that states that, 7% of people our privately educated in this country, but they make up 60% of the top jobs in this county ranging from, financial services, The law basically high end jobs.

Now I know the snobs will just tell me that they our well educated and deserve all they get, well sir in my opinion it shows just how much of a unfair divide exists between the upper classes and the ordinary folk.

I have no respect for the silver spooned that rub their privilege in peoples faces. I have all respect for the self made but not snobs. Anyway this stat highlights the considerable troubles that hurt society :mad::mad:


Its a very simple concept.

-Child of Rich guy, goes to expensive Private College.
-Gets degree
-Joins his dad's firm as a director etc.
OR join's his dad's friend's or relatives firm at a top position.

No rocket science.
Original post by G50
You don't need to be privately educated to get a top job, but it does help if you can spell "chosen" and if you can pay attention to detail... like when registering a username on a website.


I just checked and apparently the username 'thechosenone' is unavaliable, probably already taken, so your point is...?

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