Graduates from private schools get high salaries, reveals research

A new report has revealed that privately-educated graduates earn more than their state-educated peers do only six months after leaving university, and the gap continues to increase up to three-and-a-half years after leaving.

The research from the Sutton Trust and upReach found that fee-paying school students who achieved a degree soon took home almost £4,500 more than other graduates.

Pay gap

The new report was based on research by the National Institute for Economic and Social Research.

It found that after three years of employment, former private school students earn around £36,036 on average, which is 14% more than the £31,586 a state school educated graduate could expect.

Founder of upReach, Henry Morris, commented: “Today’s research tells us that Britain’s social mobility challenge does not end on a graduate’s first day of work. Despite doing as well academically, the pay of graduates from more privileged backgrounds rises more quickly than their peers. By working in partnership with organisations like upReach, employers can seize the social mobility opportunity for their own, and society’s benefit.”

Assertive

According to the researchers, some of the differences can be explained by the use of so-called 'soft skills' in graduate employability.

The report states: "A plausible explanation is that non-academic skills such as articulacy or assertiveness could play an important role in accessing high-status jobs and career progression once in employment."

Sir Peter Lampl, Sutton Trust chairman, explained: “We know that graduates from less privileged backgrounds are underrepresented in the top professions but today's research shows that they face disadvantage when it comes to pay progression too."

"This new research shows us how vital it is that firms do more to improve social mobility through their recruitment practices. Enabling greater access to a wider pool of diverse talent will deliver real benefits for employers and employees alike," he concluded.