The Guardian’s Helena Pozniak cites findings from our Leading People 2016 report.

Jeremy Irons never went to university but he rather wishes he had. As one of the UK’s most distinguished actors, he’s forever associated with academia – a legacy of his breakthrough role as the Oxford student Charles Ryder in the acclaimed 1981 ITV series Brideshead Revisited.

Now he’s donned academic robes once again, this time as Bath Spa University’s first ever chancellor. It’s a largely ceremonial post but he’s planning to get stuck in, maybe even teach the odd masterclass when his schedule allows. “I’m learning,” he says. “I will get a feel for the place, attend as many ceremonies and talk to as many students as I can, and then I hope it will become clear how I can help. Creativity is important to the UK – it’s at the core of who we are.”

Born in the Isle of Wight and educated in Dorset, he feels fondly towards the south of England, and one of the best things about Bath Spa, he says, is that it isn’t London. “It’s a wonderful city, it has a great atmosphere and it’s on a more human scale. In Britain we have these beautiful cities, great environments for study. London is a great party town but that’s something you can do later.”

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He hopes universities that nurture creative talent could help shake up British acting, which has been dominated by privately educated pupils. Just 7% of British Oscar winners were state educated, the Sutton Trust says; Irons himself went to private school. “I think there’s been an Etonian bubble, but any university that concentrates on the arts must be addressing that; it’s incredibly valuable to have culture at its centre.” University fees are tough, he admits, especially for postgraduates, and he’s been known to donate towards some students’ education. “But I do say, how much better to get out there, work a little and earn it first, rather than request it from some rich git.”

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Read the full article here.