The New Statesman | UK politics and culture This house believes private schools should be abolished
May 21, 2025
Danny Dawling, a social scientist from the University of Oxford, joins investigative journalist Terry White, Independent Schools Council CEO Julie Robinson, and public intellectual Mona Siddiqui to debate the future of private schools in the UK. They explore how these institutions contribute to social inequality while also considering their role in providing educational choice. The discussion delves into wealth disparities, the impact on social mobility, and the urgent need for reforms to ensure equitable educational opportunities for all children.
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Private Schools Perpetuate Inequality
- Private schools educate only 7% of UK children yet dominate elite institutions with disproportionate funding and influence.
- This system perpetuates social inequality despite arguments about parental choice and aspiration.
Private Schools as VIP Pathway
- Private schools provide a VIP path to power for the wealthy few, deepening social inequality.
- The majority of children suffer in underfunded state schools while elites maintain their advantage.
Private Schools' Diverse Role
- Private schools include diverse, small schools serving special needs and working families.
- Abolishing them would reduce educational opportunities and burden state schools financially.