... is because there are many sociological explanations as to why working class pupils fail and middle class pupils succeed. Historically, middle class boys were the only people allowed to go to schools, simply because they could afford it, working class kids were not educated so they were only able to get low paid jobs. This cycle continued until free education was brought in, in the 1944 Butlers education act, but this did not change status significantly, as working class pupils were forced to go to work as soon as the left school, and were not able to afford higher education which was the key to professional and better paid jobs. This view is backed up by Bordieu in his 'cultural capital' theory. Where he states that middle class children are born into the dominant culture and will therefore succeed, continuing the cycle. Another factor affecting achievement within the schools is ...

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