Race and underprivilege continue to impact on access to elite universities today. Four London schools (All Saints Catholic College, Francis Holland Regent's Park, King Solomon Academy and The St Marylebone C E School) have come together to raise awareness and increase understanding around issues of inequality.
Session 1: Chaired by Dame Esther Rantzen DBE
The first panel discussion will consider the national picture regarding applications to highly-selective universities. How do young people from less-privileged backgrounds experience university? What are the trends in admissions?
First Panel
- Rianna Croxford, Cambridge graduate, award winning reporter and producer, NCTJ News Journalist of the Year
- Andrew Fairbairn, CEO and Founder of Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO), London
- Professor David Gillborn, Professor of Critical Race Studies, School of Education Birmingham University
- Rt Hon Chris Skidmore MP, Minister of State for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation
- Professor Graham Virgo QC, Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education), Cambridge University
- Professor Martin Williams Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education), University of Oxford
Session 2: Chaired by Simon Henderson, Head Master, Eton College
The second panel comprises headteachers from schools with experience and expertise in supporting applications to top academic universities. What is the secret of their success?
Second Panel
- Scott Baker, Head Master, London Academy of Excellence
- Patrick Derham, Head Master, Westminster School
- Sarah Fletcher, High Mistress, St Paul’s Girls’ School
- Max Haimendorf, Principal, King Solomon Academy
- James Handscombe, Principal, Harris Westminster Sixth Form
- Kat Pugh, Headteacher, The St Marylebone CE School