Is Exeter uni’s intake still mostly from the independent sector?

[Bell8484]

And if so is this an issue for those from state/ more diverse backgrounds?

but that’s all
Some would consider this disingenuous. If it were really 'all' I doubt families would pay for education. Private schooling is important to them because they see it as an elevating differentiator. Best to own it. Over the years on these board I have noticed that some private school parents feel so victimised. I am always intrigued by this, their kids are privileged and at the same time they are also victims. I suppose having a victim mentality is en vogue across across all the sections of society these days.

where they’ll feel safe and comfortable
That's nice, I guess. I this a trend that people from the same 6th form (state / paid) all want to go to the same uni? It comes across as a little unadventurous. At that age, we (state grammar) tended to get as far away from home as possible and challenge ourselves, move to London, go abroad, volunteer or work in other countries. Is playing it safe and being comfy a social trend for youngster these days? What does being comfortable at a uni mean?

'Private schooling is important to them because they see it as an elevating differentiator.'

🙈Sorry but that is ridiculous. I can see that that's the way a person with a chip on their shoulder might see it, though.

We chose private because I went to a local comp and it was dreadful, so when I had children and could afford to send them to a good private school (Lovely grounds, lots of space, lots of sport, art music, smaller class sizes. etc. ) nearby, we did. I think these days, comps etc are often worse than they were when I was at school (nothing to do with the teachers, who are admirable). Certainly the one near where we live is. If we'd had a grammar near by that would've worked - not all 'state' schools are equal after all. But they don't have them near us. So..

It's ok if that makes you feel better. But why on earth would parents pay for schooling when it's freely available if they didn't think it was providing a different and better schooling for their child?

The fact is it is usually (not always) better than the average state provision, for a myriad of reasons. But it isn't chosen by parents as an 'elevating differentiator'.

They were called rahs in Newcaste - not by DD I might add.

How would anyone quantify those answers?

It is chosen to elevate above others. Parents aren’t paying more than many earn for their kids to gamble about in pretty spacious buildings. When you get the disproportion of 6% of the privately educated with 30-40% of the top uni places you can see it works.

How sweet, that They were called that. I wonder what They called the people who called them 'rahs' or wellies or whatever it was. Dirty chavs / tory labour scum maybe, I wonder if that's as acceptable. But actually I expect they didn't call them any names at all, because they're taught to be polite and respectful to others.

Firstly at least 17% of students go to private school, at 6th form age.

And no, again, people aren't paying to 'elevate' or 'differentiate' their kids from others - that's just the view of others I suppose. Sad really, to have that head space. They're paying for the best education for their kids, that they can afford, if there's no good state school nearby, usually.

Some of this has been answered on this thread. It does sound as if they’re trying to be more inclusive which is reassuring. Asking why the figures and reputation are what they are is pretty reasonable for those of us that don’t work in the uni sector. Inclusivity and the ability for their child to thrive is important to many parents,particularly so given the cost.

It’s a moot point as private education clearly does elevate.

So what is the better than achieving then?

No it's not moot. Saying a parents intent is to elevate and 'differentiate; their kids - is not the same.

Hopefully a happier school experience. That's certainly what we paid for - and it's what we've received, thankfully.

Exactly!

Exactly what? What we chose for our kids had nothing to do with any other kids. By 'happier school experience' I meant happier for them, as individuals. I wasn't using it as a comparator. Then or now.

Completely agree.

Setting aside all the rest, this question does suggest you have a slightly mistaken idea of how university works, @Bell8484. University isn’t a crèche, or a finishing school - it’s up to the students themselves to get to know each other. And there’s absolutely no reason why students will automatically end up being closest friends with those whose background most resembles theirs.

As I keep saying on MN - the whole point of university is to broaden one’s horizons.

I hate to say it but if you are passing your exclusionary attitude on to your offspring you are doing them a disservice. They may be far more capable of mixing with others - whatever their background - than you give them credit for.

(The hilarious thing is just how many university students I know from the most expensive schools in the country, who were there through 100% bursaries … But you don’t want your child to associate with any of them.)

I find it absolutely extraordinary that some people believe they know precisely why total strangers made specific choices for their children’s education, and then won’t be told that their assumptions are incorrect.

I have not said that at all. I simply want her to be comfortable in her surroundings and be aware and prepared when making important decisions.

I’m well aware that uni isn’t a crèche and my dd will have way more life experience than the majority
and has resilience in spades.She has no need for a finishing school.You do however have no idea as to how well she or any other student will mix
or difficulties she and others may have.

I just wondered if they had any extra support programmes.Clearly not but it didn’t hurt to ask somebody with a child already there.

Not sure of anything in particular but there is a big focus on wellbeing as there were some issues with student welfare a few years ago. Can't fault the wellbeing team there, DD struggling and they really helped, and quickly.

DD was taught to be polite and respectful, which is why she didn't call them rahs.

I'm pretty sure some of the "rahs" gave the "plebs" some kind of name as well.
There are polite and rude people in all walks of life. Not all privately educated young people are polite and respectful, nor are all state educated young people bitter and jealous of their more well off peers.

Classism is still alive and well both ways it seems.

I know. Enlightening I thought. Though I should have known, after the whole VAT in education hoo ha.

Totally agree.