Responding to the publication of Elitist Britain 2019 from the Sutton Trust and the Social Mobility Commission, Dr Wanda Wyporska, Executive Director of The Equality Trust said:

“The replication of privilege, wealth and position within the same elite class of people going to the same schools and universities shows that the rhetoric of social mobility is flawed. We should concentrate on lifting living standards and educational standards for all our young people, not just those who are poor but bright. The increase in those who went to fee-paying schools dominating the top positions across media, music, sport, and tv reflects the sheer lack of opportunities for 93% of our population. And this simply destroys any pretence that we live in a meritocracy – this is a largely male crony culture, a comfortable club for those who already have a huge amount of advantages in life who are preserving their positions at the top. We need a high-quality, well-funded education system for all our children and an end to the narrow, lack of diverse thinking at the top.”

For comment or interview please contact Jo Wittams – jo.wittams@equalitytrust.org.uk