Engines of Privilege: Britain's Private School Problem

by David Kynaston, Francis Green

Britain's private, fee-paying schools are institutions where children from affluent families have their privileges further entrenched through a high-quality, richly resourced education. There is an irrefutable link between private schools and life's gilded private school to top university to top career. Engines of Privilege contends that, in a society that mouths the virtues of equality of opportunity, of fairness and of social cohesion, the educational apartheid separating private schools from our state schools deploys our national educational resources unfairly and inefficiently; blocks social mobility; reproduces privilege down the generations; and underpins a damaging democratic deficit in our society.

Intrinsic to any vision of the future of Britain has to be the nature of our educational system. Yet the quality of conversation on the issue of private education remains surprisingly sterile, patchy and highly subjective.

Francis Green and David Kynaston carefully examine options for change, while drawing on the valuable lessons of history. Accessible, evidence-based and inclusive, Engines of Privilege aims to kick-start a long overdue national debate. Clear, vigorous prose is combined with forensic analysis to powerful effect, illuminating the painful contrast between the importance of private schools in British society and the near-absence of serious, policy-shaping debate.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Education, Audiobook, British Literature

320 pages, Hardcover

Published April 9, 2019

About the author

David Kynaston was born in Aldershot in 1951. He has been a professional historian since 1973 and has written eighteen books, including The City of London (1994-2001), a widely acclaimed four-volume history, and W.G.'s Birthday Party, an account of the Gentleman vs. the Players at Lord's in July 1898. He is the author of Austerity Britain, 1945-51, the first title in a series of books covering the history of post-war Britain (1945-1979) under the collective title "Tales of a New Jerusalem".

Reviews

[Ashleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve never been a massive supporter of the private school system, and I bought this book really hoping it would make me think harder about the ethics of a private education system but it didn’t happen. What I found really unhelpful was how the whole book builds off from the premise that private schools are inherently BAD (with no balance of argument) — and that the main issue is that the children of the wealthy are able to gain unparalleled social capital into British society.

What follows is a 300 page rant (written by 2 privately and Oxbridge educated men who have casually managed to send their children to the top state selective grammar schools, mind you!) albeit full of interesting statistics about why the social divide created by the private schooling system is so harmful to society. Yes sure, the system causes inequality, but the writers provide no real solutions — and the fact that they speak highly of state schools whilst being able to send their children to top grammar schools doesn’t speak much for the masses or for the type of “social inequality” they’re so against either. :/

The first twenty pages of the book tell you enough about their argument. From the book itself I concluded that there is no need to reform the system………

[Simon · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is 300 plus pages of extremely dense repetitive argument about why private schooling is bad, why nothing has been done about ending it and how the author suggests we end it in the not so distant future.

Despite finding myself in agreement with the authors position ( yes I do think private schooling should be abolished and yes I do think eventually after say 20 years it would reap benefits for all of society ) I couldn’t stay interested in the very turgid detailed covering off of every angle to the debate.

Moreover it seemed to me that one question was never asked, which is - will the schooling for my ‘child’ be any good once we abolish private schools ? Or will it be shite ? And from that .. will there be good discipline in the school ? what will the class sizes be ? And will the teachers be motivated and good ?

There is a mood in the nation to dismantle privileged historic stuff. Could the authors wish list see reality ? My guess is not.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and found the statistics both interesting and relevant. I think that the problems are well summed up and I agree with the authors standpoint. However, it became incredibly repetitive and overdetailed towards the end.

As a teacher at a South African private school, I found the arguments good food for thought. The book opened my mind and put forward arguments which definitely impacted on my view of educational systems.

[Gemma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well worth a read- opened my eyes to the reality of this particular type of inequality. Also challenged the instinctive 'politics of resentment' that private schooling can throw up. Especially enjoyed the beginning chapter and possible solutions chapters at the end.

Only downside is that in a thorough effort to prove the need for change, the authors went through all of private school history & relationship with politics. Certainly proved the point - but became a bit too academic for a casual reader. Still gets 4* as the topic is so overdue discussion the academic aspect can be forgiven.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

7% of children in the UK are educated at one of 2,500 private (‘public’ / ‘independent’) schools, where they benefit from approximately three times the level of resources available to their state-educated counterparts. This is ostensibly a service industry which creates an ‘educational apartheid’, ‘cements elite structures’, and is fundamentally ‘incompatible with the pursuit of a fairer, more cohesive society’.

This is the damning indictment of private schooling by academics David Kynaston and Francis Green. Across 9 chapters, the book examines the potted history of private schools and the enduring inertia of political will to reform them, what their fees actually buy, why parents choose to send their children to them, and detailed options for reform. The authors discuss the effects of extra resources, small class sizes, peer effects, and autonomy on attainment, and often return to the issues of charitable status and proposals to levy VAT (a policy still espoused by the Labour party on the eve of the 2024 general election).

The authors wear their stripes proudly in arguing for the need for reform, and there are some incisive and interesting points made. For instance, it’s often argued that parents should have a right to buy a private education if they so wish – that’s true of certain consumer goods and services, yes, but education is different because it’s ‘formative’ and has huge effects on life chances. There is also criticism of the idea that we can’t abolish private schools because that would leave a gaping hole in the economy – not so, because this assumes a counterfactual in which those parents, students, and teachers all disappear into the ether rather than join – and pay tax through - the state sector.

There is also discussion of how schools choose to justify their charity status through partnerships with state institutions. This is really laughable in many cases, for instance staff serving as governors at state schools, hosting joint debating clubs and drama events, and sharing swimming pools. All they have to do for their tax breaks is to pay lip service to the very idea of ‘public benefit’.

One strength of this book is its detailed proposals for reform. It discusses ideas to reduce both the demand for and supply of private education through contextual admissions policies (a form of positive discrimination), raising fees through taxation, and Open / Fair Access Schemes. Ultimately, though it’s likely that no major reforms will take place – and is it any wonder when one considers that the alumni of the accused extend like tentacles into all the high and influential positions in society?

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the position of private education in contemporary Britain. The writing quality does vary across the chapters - there's a degree of repetition and over-quoting throughout (and an obsession with em dashes!), but the arguments and evidence are interesting.

[Jack Greenwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Outright abolition is a non-starter (and I needed to be told that), but gradual, systemic change is attainable and necessary.

This stat-heavy essay details a worrying trend of inequality entrenched by educational privilege. The writing is hard to swallow, both for it's density and repulsive content. Fortunately there is plenty of food for thought.

4 arguments I’d now win:
(1) “It’s my money to spend.” Patently disingenuous, you could also choose to spend it on bribing jurors, that doesn’t make it right
(2) “Schools do lots of charity work.” No, schools that sell privilege can’t be charities and they do not deserve charitable status.
(3) "Private schools are run better". False, good practices in Britain are used just as frequently in the state as in the private sector
(4) "Prices are realistic and competitive". Incorrect, Britain’s fees are out of control relative to both the world in 2020 and historical trends.

Ways to improve the future:
(1) Contextual admissions policy at leading universities, a substantial tax on school fees, or both
(2) Follow the Finns. 2017: Finland ranked the most stable, the safest and the best-governed country in the whole world; second most socially progressive, and 3rd wealthiest, least corrupt and most socially just (clue: They don’t have private schools)
(3) Any agreement must be a consensus reached by patience and long-termism

There are reasons why we haven’t tackled this problem yet; lack of intellectual will to prioritise the issue, lack of political will to take on the major institutions and an enduring attachment to libertarianism at expense of equality of opportunity.

These factors are reinforced by the hypocrisy of those who fight for social equality yet send their own offspring private. The institution is embedded. The big worry is that it is getting worse, not better.

It’ll be a slow process, but we need to see an end to our educational caste system. Let’s stop oiling and start carefully repurposing these engines of privilege. The longer this goes on, the harder it will be to catch up.

[Mike Clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pays to get ahead: Green and Kynaston’s sober, thoughtfully argued monograph occupies the same ground as Robert Verkaik’s Posh Boys, but is more thoughtful, less polemical, and possibly more convincing as a result. Despite carefully laying out the doleful effects of private schools - on the British education system, culture, competitiveness and society in general - they concede abolition is highly unlikely and maybe even undesirable. Equally they aren’t naïve enough to take a “make it so good [state education] that the notion of paying for it will wither and die” line either. What emerges is something in between - a first step perhaps to one of these other futures but fundamentally, their proposition is that we need to talk about this.

If that seems a little Blenkinsop-of-the-fourth wet and weedy, consider this: neither Attlee, leader of the most reforming Labour government ever, nor Blair who was hugely education- (and high-) minded, both possessed of substantial majorities and good will (at least at the outset), touched it with a bargepole. People who haven’t been privately educated and don’t have children, or any contact with the sector, generally feel it doesn’t concern them, which leaves the battle between those who consider it the inalienable right of parents to do the best for their own children and to suggest they should consider the wider effects is not only unfair but borderline immoral; and those who would not dream of paying to queue-jump, or to secure undue influence or advantage by paying for it. Given the often toxic nature of debate on any subject currently, this not only reopens an issue of vital importance but does so in a way that models reasoned debate and a willingness not just to listen but to try to understand the views of others. It’s a bit depressing just how unusual that feels.

[Thomas Escritt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the easiest read, but you end it feeling utter fury at the injustice of Britain’s malignant education system

[Elspeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really worthwhile read. It was quite long and repetitive in places but thorough and provides historical, political and psychosocial oversight. I live surrounded by private schools and I went to university with some great great public school pupils so I am fascinated and keen to hear both sides. My state school was a good one, I really enjoyed it, no-one in my year went to Oxbridge but plenty of us had very supportive parents and teachers and went to Russell Group universities. There are less private schools in Wales; they always won the netball tournaments and sat in principal seats in Orchestra, they were generally nice kids. The book also dismisses claims about private school pupils having more mental health problems - they rate as if not more happy than state schooled children. The book raises some alarming facts I think a lot is already known about over-representation of public schooled politicians but I was struck that >74% of judges, army officials and many more were privately school. These unequal allocations of positions of power propagate the lack of diversity. I was also hit by how many musicians and 1/3 of olympic squad are privately educated (only 7% on UK go to private school). We are shadowing a lot of talent and alternate perspectives with elitism. The facilities for example theatres are better than the West End, cricket pitches as good as Lords yet so few benefit from them which doesnt feel right. State schools are often struggling to keep afloat and less able / willing to fight for themselves. Private schools are 3x more likely to contest exam results leading to students grades being raised at re-marking. Pupils with the same A Level grades are more likely to do better at university coming from state than public school but men who went to public school will still earn 7% more than state schooled students with the same university degree. Confidence and skills such as public speaking go a long way .... There are plenty more conversations to be had - co-ed, international students, boarding schools, bursaries...but overall the gap is vast and definitely feeds into adulthood and our society ongoing.

[Amalah]

The book charts the history of private education in Britain, starting with the notion that private schools were initially for the economically disadvantaged. However, they have turned into socially exclusive institutions that reproduce privileges, with privately educated students going on to progress at much higher rates onto: higher GCSE and A-Level grades, Russel group universities particularly Oxbridge and elite occupations such as lawyers and politicians. The book then goes on to propose ways in which private school's power and influence can be reduced to level the playing field including removing charitable statuses, removing relief rates and turning private schools into academies. The authors claim that the “problem” of private schools has hardly taken a significant spotlight and this is partially due to politicians, journalists and spokespeople for independent schools adamantly defending their existence or having lukewarm criticism, with assertions claiming that we must look towards the state sector to aid in social mobility.

All in all, it was an interesting read for anyone who would like to know more about the private sector: it challenges the idea that private schools are not the preserve of the relatively wealthier and it was interesting to read in the political context- in which labour will enact VAT fees on private schools this coming January in 2025. I do feel there isn’t much conversation placed on the potential fallout of policies suggested that aim to integrate or equalise the private sector. For instance, If the fees are astronomically raised and thus more children enter the state sector, will that not overburden an already squeezed sector? And surely that will increase the social exclusivity of independent schools where only children of oligarchs can afford to attend.

I would definitely recommend it to those interested in education in Britain!

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’d like to have given this 5 stars. I agreed with most of the arguments, but the writing is frustratingly repetitive and unclear. Here’s an example of the convoluted sentence style:

‘The issue is undeniably hard, often invidious; the forces on the side of the status quo are formidable; free and open debate is subdued; but at some point it is surely time for the waves - of discussion, of regret, or outrage - to start pounding relentlessly, not spasmodically or apologetically, on Britain’s deeply embedded rocks.’

It’s still an interesting book, covering the history of private schooling, the range of arguments against it, and possible solutions.

Weirdly, the conclusion they reach is

“At this point in our island story, the future seems peculiarly a blank sheet. Everything is potentially on the table. And, for once, that has to include the engines of privilege.”

The idea of a blank sheet seems ridiculously optimistic after 250 pages detailing how private schools function to create an endless cycle of opportunity for the wealthy and are increasingly self-protective. Not suprisingly the postscript is a more sobering read.

[Brian Gowthorpe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This well-argued polemic by two privately educated beneficiaries of our uniquely skewed system of education lays bare the deeply entrenched unfairness that benefits a little than 6 percent of school children at the expense of the rest. The benefits tend to be lifelong and passed from generation to generation including enhanced opportunities to enter the best universities and to secure well-paid and influential jobs. They don’t mention that many of these jobs and roles are often more interesting and fulfilling, nor that they enable a richer and more varied experience of life. I was surprised to learn that Britain is the only country to have such a strong private school system. At the opposite end of the spectrum is Finland, which has pursued a fair education goal since the 1960s and has an unusually happy and well-balanced society. The book explores options and sets out possible solutions to rebalance our own system. Very well argued but opposition is formidable and deep seated.

[Billy Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoughtful and extremely detailed analysis of the state - past and present - of Britain's private schools. The authors really do the 'pull back and reveal' on this one, revealing how these institutions have their slimy tentacles wrapped firmly around many aspects of contemporary Britain's political, commercial and intellectual life. The book is overwrought in places (in my humble opinion) and attempting to digest all the statistics is like trying to wade through a muddy morass. The book makes up for this, what is probably in fact my own shortcoming, with well-illustrated arguments which attack the core problem from multiple angles. The smattering of humour throughout, particularly the amusing postscript, also make it a worthwhile read if you're interested in this sort of thing.

[Paul Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well researched but at times rather laboured and repetitive; also a tendency to use too many emotive adjectives and adverbs. The lack of political will or support to undertake fundamental reform may be largely due to the claims of more pressing or urgent problems. Taken from the standpoint of theoretical economics scarce resources need to have a means by which they can be allocated. In command economies allocation is determined by government in market economies it is by price. In education allocation could also be by ability, which was the premise behind the grammar school and direct grant model. There is an argument to suggest that a student's academic potential rather than a parent's ability and/or willingness to pay is a better way of allocation scarce teaching resources.

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well-written, supported by lots of research and gives some interesting concrete proposals. A point the authors keep making is that a disproportionate amount of resources benefit a mere 6% of UK's pupils. Yet they write dismissively about improving education for the rest of the 94% of pupils. Indeed they go as far as saying that trying to improve state education is a 'mistake of the past'. I'm not convinced that dramatically interfering with private school education will have a substantial material impact on the big challenges of UK education. I'd go as far as saying it's fiddling whilst Rome burns.

[Sian A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Does what it says on the tin - analyses the nature of and problems with private schools in the country and proposes ways forward. I laughed out loud at the very arch postscript in the paperback edition where the authors slate all their reviewers. (And some other jokes throughout.)

[Waleed · Rating 3 out of 5]

Britain's private school industry is indefensible, and leads to outrageous social inequality. This book outlines the problems and proposes some mild solutions. The parts that are identifiably Kynaston are lively and witty. But the book gets very repetitive and stats-heavy.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting in parts. My conclusion is that there is no need to reform the UK private school system.

[Ruth Feliani · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too much data and too little arguments supporting it.

[Ralph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well researched and expansive in its goal. It could benefit from being a bit shorter and more focussed as the arguments get lost in too much detail at points.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really eye opening and thought provoking - read in the months running up to the 2024 general election. Some great points, though slightly repetitive at times.