For many years it has been generally accepted that the child from a middle-class home stands a much greater chance of obtaining higher education than his working-class contemporary, even when they have the same ability.
Five years ago the Plowden Report again highlighted these inequalities and, for the first time. suggested ways of trying to remove them. The result was the Educational Priority Area scheme, and a plan of action and research in some of the most educationally deprived parts of Britain.
What difference has all this made to educational performance? Can it combat the crucial influence of the child's home? What is the future of ' positive discrimination ' in favour of these areas? Presented by George Scott Producer MICHAEL GREEN (from Manchester)