Interesting stuff. I didn't go to a public school but it definitely had aspirations, a very traditional grammar school where a quarter or a third (can't remember exactly) of the pupils were boarders, whose families obviously did pay, and the rest of us were state-supported.
But what struck me most of all is reading this the day after The Guardian informed me that the appointment of Heidi Alexander as Transport Secretary means that the current Cabinet is the first EVER where all members were state-educated. Maybe we should be celebrating this moment a bit more.
Thank you, John. I agree. Why hasn’t there been more applause for the educational backgrounds of current cabinet members representing 93% of the population?
Fantastic account of the public school system! And yes it is so interesting that the current cabinet is the first ever where all members were state educated... Progress!
How wonderful to have that photograph of your great-grandfather, Emma.
Interesting potted history of private education in the UK, thanks! I've never experienced private schools and we didn't really have a choice, but I always felt motivated to support our local state schools. The split that happens at the end of primary when some friends move off to the private sector is always a wrench.
Thank you, Wendy. Yes, it moves me to look at such photos. But I also feel conflicted because of what families like mine represent. But from what I know of those empire-building relations, they were decent individuals. Great that you supported your local schools. I’m convinced this is the way forward.
Interesting stuff. I didn't go to a public school but it definitely had aspirations, a very traditional grammar school where a quarter or a third (can't remember exactly) of the pupils were boarders, whose families obviously did pay, and the rest of us were state-supported.
But what struck me most of all is reading this the day after The Guardian informed me that the appointment of Heidi Alexander as Transport Secretary means that the current Cabinet is the first EVER where all members were state-educated. Maybe we should be celebrating this moment a bit more.
Thank you, John. I agree. Why hasn’t there been more applause for the educational backgrounds of current cabinet members representing 93% of the population?
So interesting Emma, especially from someone with experience on both sides of the educational divide.
Thank you, Anna.
Fantastic account of the public school system! And yes it is so interesting that the current cabinet is the first ever where all members were state educated... Progress!
Interesting, thanks! Didn't know about the Tottenham school, but knew 'our place' was making links... Loved the photo - what uniforms!!!
Thank you, Angie. Yes, those uniforms! Looks like a chorus from a Gilbert and Sullivan musical.
How wonderful to have that photograph of your great-grandfather, Emma.
Interesting potted history of private education in the UK, thanks! I've never experienced private schools and we didn't really have a choice, but I always felt motivated to support our local state schools. The split that happens at the end of primary when some friends move off to the private sector is always a wrench.
Thank you, Wendy. Yes, it moves me to look at such photos. But I also feel conflicted because of what families like mine represent. But from what I know of those empire-building relations, they were decent individuals. Great that you supported your local schools. I’m convinced this is the way forward.