YouTube video by Professor Tim Wilson

The article, written by Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett for The Guardian, addresses the challenges faced by state school alumni starting university in the UK. Cosslett reflects on her own experience 20 years ago when she was asked repeatedly about her school background, which was a comprehensive school in north Wales, and felt out of place compared to peers from private schools like Charterhouse or Marlborough. She highlights the pervasive classism in universities, where private school alumni often form networks that make state school students feel like minorities or 'less than.' The author references recent reports of classism at St Andrews University, where a student stated she would not return due to feeling ashamed of her home life. Cosslett praises Sophie Pender's 93% Club, which aims to support state school students by offering professional mentoring and networking opportunities, and her new campaign 'Made in State School' that issues red plaques to celebrate notable state school alumni such as David Attenborough, Jacqueline Wilson, Jessica Ennis-Hill, and Marcus Rashford. She argues that state schools are often framed negatively in media, particularly by right-wing outlets, as 'dystopian' or 'rough,' when in reality they represent British excellence, innovation, and creativity. Cosslett challenges the assumption that private schools are inherently better, noting that media and publishing industries are dominated by private school alumni (half of newspaper columnists are privately educated). She emphasizes that state schools foster social mixing, openness, and confidence, teaching children to interact with diverse backgrounds—a vital life skill. The author also critiques the culture of private schools, referencing abuse cases at boarding schools that prioritized reputation over safety. She concludes by urging state school students to take pride in their background, noting that they have achieved their place without the 'astronomical costs' of private education, and that they represent the 93% of UK students who attend state schools. The article calls for celebrating state school achievements and shifting attitudes to recognize their value in society.

A national campaign is underway to celebrate the successful alumni from the UK's state schools, inspiring others from similar backgrounds...

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A work experience opportunity for sixth-form students at Oxford University Museum of Natural History. Open to pupils from underrepresented backgrounds.