Is the rest of England being failed? This year’s A-level results show huge regional inequality in education — a trend that holds true with job opportunities, health and transport. Some think this is hugely unfair.
Want A* grades? Time to move to London
Opportunity: London is home to state schools such as Brampton Manor, which sends more students to Oxbridge than Eton College. Comprehension quiz
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The word “entrenched” in this context means:
A: Recently created
B: Easily overcome
C: Firmly established and difficult to change
D: Related to military defences
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Which word is the closest synonym for “prosperous”?
A: Populated
B: Poor
C: Struggling
D: Wealthy
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According to the article, what percentage of students in London received an A or A* grade?
A: 22.9%
B: 28.3%
C: 32.1%
D: 31.2%
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According to the article, which two of the following are reasons why London has educational advantages?
A: It has the highest concentration of schools.
B: It is closer to Oxford and Cambridge universities.
C: Parents from migrant families often have high educational ambitions.
D: Fewer students take exams in London.
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The article suggests the “North-South divide” is a simplification. Which county does it use as an example to support this idea, and why?
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In your own words, summarise two factors that contribute to the educational inequality between London and other regions like the north east.
Answers
Tap to reveal
1. C 2. D 3. C 4. A and C. 5. The county is Cornwall. It is used as an example because although it is England's southernmost county, the text states it is the second poorest region in northern Europe, which challenges the simple idea that the entire south is prosperous. 6. Any of the following: General inequality means London attracts teachers with higher pay and has more opportunity. London and the south-east have higher population density, leading to more services and opportunities. London is more ethnically diverse. London benefited from a government education initiative in the 2000s. London is closer to many international businesses, such as Google, who give opportunities to local students.
Glossary
Social mobility - A person's ability to move between classes. In 2013, more than 161,000 people took part in the Great British Class Survey, which revealed that there are seven classes in Britain, ranging from the 'elite' down to the 'precarious proletariat.'
East Anglia - An eastern region of England, including Norfolk, Suffolk and parts of Cambridgeshire and Essex.
Camden - A borough (or region) in inner London. Its centre is Camden Town, which is known for its market and alternative culture.
AI - A computer programme that has been designed to think.
Penzance - A town in Cornwall with a population of 21,000. It is the westernmost major town in Cornwall.
Penrith - A market town in Cumbria in the north of England, with a population of nearly 17,000.
Concentration - A close gathering of people or things.