An unfair system can only be repaired through a drastic overhaul, not papering over the cracks and then pretending all is well

He draws attention to the grossly unfair nature of our society, where some students come from deprived backgrounds, while others are given advantages by pampering parents and attending "better" schools ( including private fee-paying schools). He includes himself in the pampering parent group.

How can disadvantaged students compete for University places ? he asks.

They can't, he argues. Universities pursue the best students, and these come from the "best" schools, and "best" homes. What can be done?

Luckily George Holmes has the answer. Come to the University of Bolton (UoB), where educational attainment will be disregarded.

Wonderful! The unfair education system can remain intact; poor students can come to the UoB, and admission standards that apply at other universities will be ignored.

The future recruitment figures for our UoB will show whether there are any short-term "gains" from this bare-faced promotion of a two tier system in Higher Education.

In contrast, Bolton TUC is committed to fighting alongside education workers and parents for a one tier education system open to everyone from nursery age onwards; we demand free high quality education for everyone at every stage of education. An unfair system can only be repaired through a drastic overhaul, not papering over the cracks and then pretending all is well.

Tom Hanley

Bolton TUC