ADULTS are pessimistic about young people’s chances in life, especially in relation to education, according to a new study published today.

Only 41 per cent agree that people have equal opportunities to get ahead, compared with 53 per cent who said the same in 2008, the survey by educational charity the Sutton Trust found.

Half said high-quality teaching in comprehensive schools was needed and a quarter cited university tuition fees as a factor.

Sutton Trust chairman Sir Peter Lampl said the government needs to improve early years provision, offer fairer access to schools and universities and address social barriers.

Universities and College Union general secretary Sally Hunt said further education colleges providing technical education and apprenticeships were key to the solution.

She said: “[They] are used by 80 per cent of disadvantaged students before the age of 24.

“But successive governments have failed them, seeing them as easy targets for cuts and the austerity agenda.

“Colleges must be better funded to deliver vocational routes and professional qualifications.”
Other research by the charity showed that improved social mobility would raise annual GDP by £39 billion.