Private schools are not victims of 'reverse discrimination' and Cambridge should know better

Trinity Hall at Cambridge proposed targeting recruitment at a small number of elite private schools, drawing criticism that the move treats privilege as evidence of talent and overlooks unequal access to subjects and resources.

Trinity Hall, a college at the University of Cambridge, has proposed targeting recruitment at a small number of elite private schools. The college said a focus only on "greater fairness in admissions" could "unintentionally result in reverse discrimination", a position reported by the Guardian. The proposal quickly prompted criticism from alumni and others who said it sent a message that privilege equals talent. The discussion takes place against long-standing concerns about unequal access to subjects and resources and wider debates over social mobility and Oxbridge admissions. Key points: - Trinity Hall proposed targeting a small number of elite private schools for recruitment and cited concerns about "reverse discrimination" in its justification. - The proposal generated criticism on social media and from some college members who described it as class prejudice. - The article notes unequal access to subjects such as music, classics and modern languages, and to resources like instruments, private tuition and travel, which can advantage privately educated pupils. - Recent context includes Cambridge's decision to scrap targets for state school admissions in 2024, under a policy imposed by the Office for Students. Summary: The controversy highlights tensions about how universities identify and recruit talent amid persistent class-based advantages. It raises questions about admissions approaches and institutional responsibility for recognising potential beyond polished preparation. Undetermined at this time.