CYP Now - Election 2019: Charity calls for free private school places for disadvantaged pupils

Overhauling the private school system to allocate places to disadvantaged children based on academic achievement not money is among demands being made ahead of the general election by social mobility charity The Sutton Trust.

The Sutton Trust has trialled a scheme to means test fee-paying school places in Liverpool. Picture: Adobe Stock

The charity wants to see 40,000 independent school places opened up to pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds and those who cannot afford fees.

The move is part of its Mobility Manifesto pledges that the charity wants to see adopted by political parties ahead of December's general election, to break down social mobility barriers faced by disadvantaged pupils.
The charity stops short of calling for legislation to force independent schools to give greater access to children from disadvantaged communities.

Instead it says: "Independent schools should be opened up, on a voluntary basis, to pupils from all backgrounds."

• Analysis: Pupil premium and attainment
• Analysis: Careers overhaul targets poorer pupils

Register Now to Continue Reading

Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's Included