We're often told that education is the great equaliser, the key to unlocking opportunity for all. But what if that very system is instead a mirror, starkly reflecting the deep-seated inequalities of our society? Join me as we delve into the UK education system, armed with ONS data, to expose the uncomfortable truth: the profound disparities rooted in wealth and class.
From the chasm in resources between private and state schools to the undeniable overrepresentation of the privileged in coveted high-status careers, we're dismantling the myth of a level playing field. And in doing so, we'll confront a difficult question: is it time we had a more honest conversation with our children and young adults, acknowledging that sometimes, no matter how diligently they strive, some doors may remain stubbornly closed?
Episode Resources:
1. Equality trust link -
https://equalitytrust.org.uk/scale-economic-inequality-uk/
The UK has very high inequality of income compared to other developed countries; the 9th most unequal incomes of 38 OECD countries (OECD, 2022).
The UK’s wealth inequality is much more severe than income inequality, with the top fifth taking 36% of the country’s income and 63% of the country’s wealth, while the bottom fifth have only 8% of the income and only 0.5% of the wealthaccording to the Office for National Statistics.
Inequality of wealth and income fell during the 20th century, but began rising again in the 1980s.
UK INCOME INEQUALITYUK WEALTH INEQUALITYGLOBAL WEALTH & INCOME INEQUALITY
3. Private schools and inequality
Private schools and inequality
2025 and the graduate labour market | Luminate
New survey shows the extent of class privilege in UK journalism
UK journalists are getting older, more left-wing and increasingly work freelance - Press Gazette
New survey shows the extent of class privilege in UK journalism
Changes to tuition fees: 2025 to 2026 academic year - GOV.UK
UK tuition fees for international students
International student tuition fees
The Fiscal Impact of Immigration in the UK - Migration Observatory
Net migration report (accessible) - GOV.UK
The impact of migration on the fiscal forecast - Office for Budget Responsibility
Immigrants’ Economic Contributions to the UK | DavidsonMorris
Further Resources:
Universities UK: Represents UK universities and publishes data and reports on higher education, including the contribution of international students.