Access to education - Must do better

THE Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) reminded us yesterday of one of life’s most enduring challenges — equality of access to education.

The ESRI and Trinity College have established — again — that academic success, even for very young children, is strongly linked to background. Children mirrored their parents. Those with poorly educated parents struggled in school. Those with well educated parents had the support systems they needed to succeed.

In some instances there may be a lack of ambition but this represents a failure on the part of this society to convince all its members that education is the most empowering gift of all.

There have been efforts to bridge this gap with homework clubs and other initiatives but surely we can do more. It would benefit everyone.