I was fortunate to have been born in the era of the Welfare State. Not only did I grow up on clinic orange and cod-liver oil (a doubtful privilege) but education was free, or largely so. When I had to start school early because my mother was in hospital I went to a private nursery (it even called itself an ‘Academy’ to show it was posh) but that didn’t last – I was “too rough” and was expelled at the age of three.
Students stage a sit-down in Southampton Row
But after that it was on the state, all the way from four until I graduated. My father’s earnings were low and I got a full grant to cover my living expenses at university – and managed to live on it. Of course none of us paid fees. But things are very different now than in those days when even the labour party beleived in socialism.
Of course it is much easier to get into university now. Where there were once educational hurdles there are now colleges clamouring to attract students and the money they bring – although competition for the more popular courses and places is still intense.
Listening at the rally before the march
So I had a great deal of sympathy with the students and their protest last Wednesday. More about it and of course more pictures on My London Diary.