Conor Ryan responded to John Harris on Open Access in a letter published in the Guardian.

John Harris (What can private schools teach the state sector?, 20 January) maintains that a private school education would have little benefit for high-achieving pupils whose parents cannot afford the fees. In fact, our research has shown that those educated at the best independent day schools not only gain disproportionate access to leading universities, including Oxbridge, but also provide the majority of places in the professions, including the law, politics, the City and the civil service.

The Sutton Trust’s Open Access proposals, based on a successful pilot in Liverpool, would open up 100 leading independent day schools to all students on the basis of ability rather than their ability to pay, and in doing so open up the professions. There would be needs-blind admissions, so that those from low-income families pay no fees and those from middle-income families contribute on a sliding scale. Participating schools would receive the same state funding as other neighbouring schools. Unlike Dr Anthony Seldon’s proposals, there would no question of levying charges on parents who choose to remain in the state system. At the same time, we believe fairer admissions to the most academically successful comprehensives and improved outreach at grammar schools are also critical to increasing social mobility.

Until those from low- and middle-income families get the chance to maximise their potential, Britain will remain trapped in a system where power is the preserve of those with privilege.

Read the full article here.