Axeing private schools won’t end inequality in education

Analysis: As Labour plans to integrate independent schools into the state sector, Eleanor Busby assesses the pros and cons

Shadow education secretary Angela Rayner announced plans on Sunday at the Labour Party conference (PA)

Labour has voted to integrate all private schools into the state sector if they get into power, with many party members warmly welcoming the plans to strip independent schools of their privileges and to force universities to limit their intake of privately educated students to 7 per cent.

It is common knowledge that those who attend fee-paying schools in the UK are more likely to attend top universities like Oxbridge and are more likely to secure top positions in the world of work.

And the difference in opportunities for pupils has become even more stark amid funding pressures in state schools. Class sizes have grown while arts and extra-curricular activities have reduced.