Cambridge college urged to drop ‘immoral’ private school recruitment drive

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Richard Adams and Wilf VallJanuary 8, 2026 at 09:21 PM

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Trinity Hall, a Cambridge college, is facing criticism for its new policy of actively recruiting students from elite private schools. Graduates and social mobility charities are urging the college to drop the initiative, arguing it is damaging to equality and reverses progress in social mobility. The college claims the policy aims to improve the "quality" of recruits in specific subjects by targeting wealthy private schools, mainly in southern England. Critics, including Alastair Campbell and the 93% Club, argue that privately educated students are already overrepresented at elite universities and that the policy suggests a departure from reality. The Sutton Trust has also called for the policy to be reversed and is engaging with the university on the issue.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Tony Blair 40% UK ×250% Nick Harrison 50% 93% Club 60% Sophie Pender ×260% Sutton Trust 60% University of Cambridge ×270% Alastair Campbell ×270% Trinity Hall ×790%

Keywords

private school recruitment 100% social mobility 90% elite institutions 70% state schools 70% equality 60% trinity hall 60% university admissions 50% alumni funding 40% sutton trust 40%