Top private school students maintain a firm hold over top-tier job positions, according to a recently released report
In a recent report published by the Sutton Trust, it has been revealed that the influence of private education on top positions in the UK remains significant. The report indicates that nearly a quarter of Members of Parliament (MPs) and half of the House of Lords were privately schooled, a trend that extends to other elite professions.
The Sutton Trust, an educational charity focused on social mobility, has set itself the goal of challenging the "vice-like grip" that private education holds on these positions. Nick Harrison, the chief executive of the Sutton Trust, stated that little progress has been made in opening up positions of power, with those from private schools continuing to dominate.
According to the report, 37% of FTSE CEOs who were educated in the UK attended private school, and senior armed forces personnel are the most likely to be privately educated, with 63% of officers of two-star rank or more having attended a fee-paying school. The report also highlights that 47% of political commentators in the UK were privately schooled.
Interestingly, the number of privately educated individuals in elite professions has barely changed since 2019, according to the report. However, in some cases, the number is growing, such as in roles like FTSE 100 company chairs and media executives.
The report also sheds light on the fact that those with means can still "buy advantage" earlier in life. Only 7% of the UK population attended private school, yet the Sutton Trust reports that those in the most important jobs are five times more likely to be privately educated than the general population.
Carl Cullinane, the director of research and policy at the Sutton Trust, stated that social class is not often included in the diversity conversation. He added that moving beyond a narrow cohort of candidates from the most advantaged backgrounds can be a win-win for employers, society, and the economy.
In 2025, privilege can still buy advantage, increasing the chance of getting into the most powerful roles in the country. The Sutton Trust has stated that privately educated individuals are dominating top jobs, and it urges a need for change to ensure a more diverse and representative UK leadership.
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