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Classroom politics Classroom politics
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By Tom Geoghegan BBC News Magazine The row over ex-Education Secretary Ruth Kelly sending one of her children to a private school has reopened a debate which has dogged Labour supporters for years - whether to put your principles or your child's education first.By Tom Geoghegan BBC News Magazine The row over ex-Education Secretary Ruth Kelly sending one of her children to a private school has reopened a debate which has dogged Labour supporters for years - whether to put your principles or your child's education first.
"The liberal middle classes patronise comprehensives in words but not with their presence," said the former Conservative education minister George Walden."The liberal middle classes patronise comprehensives in words but not with their presence," said the former Conservative education minister George Walden.
Nearly 20 years later, one of his successors, Ruth Kelly, has been criticised for sending one of her four children to a private school.Nearly 20 years later, one of his successors, Ruth Kelly, has been criticised for sending one of her four children to a private school.
Labour is not committed to closing the private sector, but the party's fundamental belief in state education makes sections of its support very uncomfortable when senior MPs choose to buy education for their own children.Labour is not committed to closing the private sector, but the party's fundamental belief in state education makes sections of its support very uncomfortable when senior MPs choose to buy education for their own children.
Mrs Kelly's son has special needs, which has curbed the level of outcry and drawn her support from colleagues, although critics indicate that party policy is to educate such children in mainstream schools where possible.Mrs Kelly's son has special needs, which has curbed the level of outcry and drawn her support from colleagues, although critics indicate that party policy is to educate such children in mainstream schools where possible.
All your beliefs and ethics that you've held dear throughout your life go out the window when your children are involved Vince, parentAll your beliefs and ethics that you've held dear throughout your life go out the window when your children are involved Vince, parent
Three years ago, the criticism of MP Diane Abbott was more vocal because her decision, which she described as "indefensible", was simply private over state. And the level of condemnation showed what a taboo subject it has remained within the party.Three years ago, the criticism of MP Diane Abbott was more vocal because her decision, which she described as "indefensible", was simply private over state. And the level of condemnation showed what a taboo subject it has remained within the party.
But whatever the rights and wrongs of the Kelly case and its unique circumstances, the story has highlighted the way middle-class parents, especially Labour supporters, sometimes agonise between backing their own belief in equality of education provision and investing in their own child's future.But whatever the rights and wrongs of the Kelly case and its unique circumstances, the story has highlighted the way middle-class parents, especially Labour supporters, sometimes agonise between backing their own belief in equality of education provision and investing in their own child's future.
As well as being an issue of conscience, there may also be an element of inverted snobbery fostering some resistance to private schools.As well as being an issue of conscience, there may also be an element of inverted snobbery fostering some resistance to private schools.
Vince, a lifelong Labour voter, said bullying and poor teaching forced him to switch his children from state to private six years ago.Vince, a lifelong Labour voter, said bullying and poor teaching forced him to switch his children from state to private six years ago.
Kelly drew some negative headlinesKelly drew some negative headlines
He tried the local schools in south-east London, then other comprehensives in Kent and Sussex, but with the same dissatisfaction.He tried the local schools in south-east London, then other comprehensives in Kent and Sussex, but with the same dissatisfaction.
"I'm from a working class background in south-east London and used to call the Dulwich College kids 'posh poofs' when I was growing up," says Vince, 45, who asked that his surname not be printed."I'm from a working class background in south-east London and used to call the Dulwich College kids 'posh poofs' when I was growing up," says Vince, 45, who asked that his surname not be printed.
"But when you realise what the state schools are like, you can't blame Ruth Kelly."But when you realise what the state schools are like, you can't blame Ruth Kelly.
"All your beliefs and ethics that you've held dear throughout your life go out the window when your children are involved. In the end it wasn't a hard decision to make.""All your beliefs and ethics that you've held dear throughout your life go out the window when your children are involved. In the end it wasn't a hard decision to make."
'True Labour''True Labour'
His three children, who are now all in their teens, had private secondary educations in Berkshire and Vince says the success they have enjoyed has displaced any guilt.His three children, who are now all in their teens, had private secondary educations in Berkshire and Vince says the success they have enjoyed has displaced any guilt.
"I think you can still be a true Labour supporter and send your children to private school. Look at the MPs. They are the biggest hypocrites.""I think you can still be a true Labour supporter and send your children to private school. Look at the MPs. They are the biggest hypocrites."
My party's beliefs or my child? Or both?My party's beliefs or my child? Or both?
Of course, many parents believe a state school education is the best and most enriching one, so you can respect both your principles and your children at the same time.Of course, many parents believe a state school education is the best and most enriching one, so you can respect both your principles and your children at the same time.
Fiona Millar, a former adviser to Cherie Blair and governor at a school in north London, believes the benefits of a good state education are vastly underestimated. And the actions of Labour ministers like Mrs Kelly send a bad signal.Fiona Millar, a former adviser to Cherie Blair and governor at a school in north London, believes the benefits of a good state education are vastly underestimated. And the actions of Labour ministers like Mrs Kelly send a bad signal.
But the "choice" of private, selective and faith schools which some parents have access to has also damaged the state system.But the "choice" of private, selective and faith schools which some parents have access to has also damaged the state system.
"Once you take all these kinds of routes out of the equation, you are left with the state system without the motivated children and the articulate parents," she says."Once you take all these kinds of routes out of the equation, you are left with the state system without the motivated children and the articulate parents," she says.
"You need the mix. If there are some kids who believe it's cool to learn, that can have an impact on the children.""You need the mix. If there are some kids who believe it's cool to learn, that can have an impact on the children."
Parents who move their children out of state provision are not only damaging it but they are acting mistakenly because well-supported, academically-able children do just as well in state schools, she says.Parents who move their children out of state provision are not only damaging it but they are acting mistakenly because well-supported, academically-able children do just as well in state schools, she says.
Sending your child to a school you would abolish is not necessarily hypocritical Dr Adam SwiftPolitical philosopherSending your child to a school you would abolish is not necessarily hypocritical Dr Adam SwiftPolitical philosopher
But it may not be so simple as to condemn parents that switch, says political philosopher Dr Adam Swift. He believes parents who believe in the state sector could use the private sector while wishing they did not have to.But it may not be so simple as to condemn parents that switch, says political philosopher Dr Adam Swift. He believes parents who believe in the state sector could use the private sector while wishing they did not have to.
The hypocrites, Dr Swift says, are those who say it is always bad to buy an education but buy their child one anyway.The hypocrites, Dr Swift says, are those who say it is always bad to buy an education but buy their child one anyway.
But the real issue, he believes, is whether parents who go private believe they would vote in favour of a system that permitted them not to do so.But the real issue, he believes, is whether parents who go private believe they would vote in favour of a system that permitted them not to do so.
"Sending your child to a school you would abolish is not necessarily hypocritical," he says."Sending your child to a school you would abolish is not necessarily hypocritical," he says.
But that does not mean they should not feel bad about their privilege, and they should try and impose change from without.But that does not mean they should not feel bad about their privilege, and they should try and impose change from without.
"Those benefiting from the existing unfairness should do more, not less, than others to bring that improvement about.""Those benefiting from the existing unfairness should do more, not less, than others to bring that improvement about."

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I was independently educated, while my husband went to his local comprehensive. Both of us went on to go to Cambridge University and are now qualified professionals.What we had in common, was parents who encouraged us to learn and to get the best possible education. Emily, Oxford, UK
I come from a working-class background and went to my local comprehensive school which had a mixed catchment area. I was happy there and didn't have a long commute to get to school every day. My best friend there had a significant impact on my work ethic and aspirations. Her parents were middle-class professionals, but her father was a committed socialist and so insisted that she didn't go to a private school, but of course they continued to support her academically at home and so she did very well at school. I feel that everyone in our group of friends has gone on to be academically successful and we all work in higher education. I do wonder how our lives would have differed without the influence of that particular friend. What happens when all the motivated children and parents are removed from a school and only low expectations are left? Anon
I put my children through private school, to enable them to have a better edcuation than I did, after being HORRIFIED at the standard of local state edcuation.(Berkshire) I had an edcuation of both types. both private and state and my secondary state edcuation was about 3 years behind my private school. As I lived on a council estate and wanted better for my children. One son runs a record label and the other is progressing is honours in Physics to a Masters in Space Communication and although they might have got there via the State I think the odds would be stacked against them, more power to private schools.David Barker, Bridgwater Somerset
I have had to choose a private education for my daughter as the schools in Bristol are so poor. I am not prepared to send my daughter to a school that has only 17% of children achieving 5 good GCSE passes. Time spent debating a parent's right to choose should be spent debating what could be done to improve state education.Fran OBrien, Bristol EnglandI have had to choose a private education for my daughter as the schools in Bristol are so poor. I am not prepared to send my daughter to a school that has only 17% of children achieving 5 good GCSE passes. Time spent debating a parent's right to choose should be spent debating what could be done to improve state education.Fran OBrien, Bristol England
I went to a comprehensive and was proud of it. But when it came to choosing a school for my son, the local community school with its poor results and reputation for bullying simply didn't seem good enough. I battled with my conscience and beliefs for months before entering my son for the grammar school selection test. The day I heard he'd got a place there was one of the best days ever. Parents will always do what they feel is best for their child. Your parenting instincts are stronger than anything else, so you'll always put child above politics.Kath, bournemouth, UKI went to a comprehensive and was proud of it. But when it came to choosing a school for my son, the local community school with its poor results and reputation for bullying simply didn't seem good enough. I battled with my conscience and beliefs for months before entering my son for the grammar school selection test. The day I heard he'd got a place there was one of the best days ever. Parents will always do what they feel is best for their child. Your parenting instincts are stronger than anything else, so you'll always put child above politics.Kath, bournemouth, UK
My primary school fed into a 'sink' comprehensive, where I was bullied, picked on and abused by the other kids for being "posh", ie coming from a decent area. The teachers did nothing about it, just weren't interested. So do I send my son there? Absolutely not - he goes to a private school - end of story.Aly, South Wales, UKMy primary school fed into a 'sink' comprehensive, where I was bullied, picked on and abused by the other kids for being "posh", ie coming from a decent area. The teachers did nothing about it, just weren't interested. So do I send my son there? Absolutely not - he goes to a private school - end of story.Aly, South Wales, UK
My wife and I made the very difficult decision some years ago take our daughters out of a state school that was failing them and send them to a private school. When we told the state school headmaster of our decision, he told us that he sent his children private and would not dream of letting them attend his school! Our decision cost us our political principles and crippled us financially for years, but we believe it was the right one. Of course, our taxes continued to support the state education system that we no longer made any demands on, for ten years! We would rather have had a decent state school, but we were also not prepared to sacrifice our daughter's education and life chances for political dogma. When its your kids, everything else takes second place. Jon, Teignmouth DevonMy wife and I made the very difficult decision some years ago take our daughters out of a state school that was failing them and send them to a private school. When we told the state school headmaster of our decision, he told us that he sent his children private and would not dream of letting them attend his school! Our decision cost us our political principles and crippled us financially for years, but we believe it was the right one. Of course, our taxes continued to support the state education system that we no longer made any demands on, for ten years! We would rather have had a decent state school, but we were also not prepared to sacrifice our daughter's education and life chances for political dogma. When its your kids, everything else takes second place. Jon, Teignmouth Devon
The real reason why parents opt for private is not academic, but pure snobbery. Intelligent children normally do well in whatever schools they are in. However, if they do well in a private school, their success is seen as the product of their schooling, whilst if they do well in a state school, their success is seen as a product of innate ability. And since years of academic studies have shown that school choice has a marginal effect on educational achievement, we can only assume that it's snobbery that drives parents to the private sector.My own school was an east London comprehensive, with a poor reputation due to its intake. However, many of those people I went to school went on to successful careers in medicine, law, science, and the arts. The reason for this was that it was a good school, which developed its pupils far better than many of the poor-quality private schools in this country.Jacob, LondonThe real reason why parents opt for private is not academic, but pure snobbery. Intelligent children normally do well in whatever schools they are in. However, if they do well in a private school, their success is seen as the product of their schooling, whilst if they do well in a state school, their success is seen as a product of innate ability. And since years of academic studies have shown that school choice has a marginal effect on educational achievement, we can only assume that it's snobbery that drives parents to the private sector.My own school was an east London comprehensive, with a poor reputation due to its intake. However, many of those people I went to school went on to successful careers in medicine, law, science, and the arts. The reason for this was that it was a good school, which developed its pupils far better than many of the poor-quality private schools in this country.Jacob, London
I do not accept that by paying to have my children educated in an independent school, I am "damaging the state sector." Quite the opposite, in fact - after all, the amount of tax that I pay toward the state system is no different from the contribution of a parent whose children attend their local comprehensive, yet I make no demands upon that system. There are over 600,000 children in independent schools in the UK, and if all of those had to be catered for by the state sector, it would grind to a halt within a week. Perhaps some egghead could calculate by how much income tax would have to increase in order to pay for the massive rise in pupil numbers? As a Labour voter at the last six elections, I do not believe that my choice is hypocritical. One might as well argue that no-one who believes in better public transport should be permitted to own a car.Tim Haveron Jones, Holyport, UKI do not accept that by paying to have my children educated in an independent school, I am "damaging the state sector." Quite the opposite, in fact - after all, the amount of tax that I pay toward the state system is no different from the contribution of a parent whose children attend their local comprehensive, yet I make no demands upon that system. There are over 600,000 children in independent schools in the UK, and if all of those had to be catered for by the state sector, it would grind to a halt within a week. Perhaps some egghead could calculate by how much income tax would have to increase in order to pay for the massive rise in pupil numbers? As a Labour voter at the last six elections, I do not believe that my choice is hypocritical. One might as well argue that no-one who believes in better public transport should be permitted to own a car.Tim Haveron Jones, Holyport, UK
I too have been failed by the state system. After one term at infants I removed my son to a private prep school because of bullying and an ineffective headmaster at my local school, which incidentally is in a prosperous middle class area. I do not blame Ruth Kelly for making a choice. The government should realise that when parents are forced to make this sort of choice they are paying twice for their children's education Once through their taxes and again through their cheque book.It would seem equitable to demand tax relief on the school fees! mark seddon, LiverpoolI too have been failed by the state system. After one term at infants I removed my son to a private prep school because of bullying and an ineffective headmaster at my local school, which incidentally is in a prosperous middle class area. I do not blame Ruth Kelly for making a choice. The government should realise that when parents are forced to make this sort of choice they are paying twice for their children's education Once through their taxes and again through their cheque book.It would seem equitable to demand tax relief on the school fees! mark seddon, Liverpool
The entire point of concertedly holding principles on issues like these is that they are meant to be universal principles for everybody, not just everybody else. A morality which runs "this is wrong... unless it affects me" is no real morality at all.Martha Hampson, BristolThe entire point of concertedly holding principles on issues like these is that they are meant to be universal principles for everybody, not just everybody else. A morality which runs "this is wrong... unless it affects me" is no real morality at all.Martha Hampson, Bristol
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