Government plans on social mobility 'a good thing'

23 August 2010

Brett Wigdortz, ceo and founder of Teach First welcomes Nick Clegg's announcement that there is to be a focus on improving social mobility.

The appointment of Alan Milburn to undertake annual reviews of progress towards a more socially mobile society can only be a good thing for the generations of school children from lower income families whose chances of receiving a first class education, and the opportunity for social mobility that goes with it, are stymied because they have lost the post code lottery.

Mr. Clegg's focus on inter-generational social mobility – the extent to which a person's income or social class is influenced by the income of social class of their parents is crucial to break the cycle of educational disadvantage. Studies show that in the UK, socio-economic status is still one of the greatest factors determining whether young minds fulfill their potential.

Figures from the Office of Fair Access (2010) found that bright children from the poorest homes are seven times less likely to go to top universities than their wealthier peers. While this might have been acceptable in feudal times, in 2010 it is a national disgrace and not sustainable for a successful 21st century knowledge economy.

At Teach First, we believe that ensuring children from the most challenging backgrounds have access to inspirational, effective teaching and school leadership is the most powerful way to break this correlation. However, any initiative that aims to tackle the inequalities that are embedded within the fabric of our society, regardless of its party political origins, will receive our support. Sitting on the sidelines is no longer an option because these issues affect all of us.