School for Poor children
That’s the only conclusion to be drawn following Lord Browne’s review of University Education funding and the recommendation to remove the cap on Universitie’s tuition fees.
This is a fundamental change to the system which erodes any ideals of meritocracy – the philosophy that status should be based upon achievement regardless of class or background.
Once the cap is removed it is inevitable that the “best” Universities like Oxford and Cambridge will raise their fees considerably making them even less attractive to those from poorer backgrounds.
Of course this will not deter the rich who will pay anything to extend their priveledge. The result will be an increasing slope to the educational “playing field” where the poor can only afford to go to the cheapest (& inevitably) worst Universities.
This will also lead to a decline in the academic status of the top Universities as they “dumb down” their entrance criteria to attract the less academically able rich.
The education & background of the main proponents of the change to University funding is worth emphasising:-
David was Privately educated at Eton
David Cameron is the son of a Stockbroker and was privately educated at Eton.
Fees at Eton were £28,851 p.a (2009-10)
David went on to Oxford University.
Nick was Privately educated at Westminster School
Nick Clegg is the Son of the Chairman of the United Trust bank.
Nick was Privately educated at Westminster School and went on to Robinson College Cambridge.
Fees at Westminster School are £28,344 p.a (2009 – 10)
Lord Browne was Privately educated at Kings School, ELy
Lord Browne is the Son of a British Army Officer.
Lord Browne was Privately educated at Kings School Ely.
Fees are £21,510 p.a (2007-8)
Lord Browne went on to St John’s College Cambridge.
In Great Britain today the vast majority of Private, Independent Schools enjoy Charitable Status. Effectively this means the education of the privilidged rich is being subsidised by the British Tax payer to the tune of hundreds of millions of pounds.
Consequently we must conclude that Education is wasted on the Poor.
