More than two-fifths of British state secondary school teachers rarely or never advise their brightest students to apply to Oxford or Cambridge universities. A quarter say they usually do, and a fifth always do. (The Sutton Trust/The Times).

My grandson is starting to think about universities. He tells me that, in his excellent (private) school, there is no mention from the teachers who deal with university entrance of Oxford or Cambridge as options, nor are there any teachers who encourage the kids to raise their sights. Maybe they fear failure, but sometimes you have to take risks.