Our preoccupation with Oxbridge says a lot about how we view class in Britain

It is rare that a week goes by where Oxford or Cambridge universities do not make the headlines. Readers hoover up stories on these institutions. As a society, we are slightly obsessed with Oxbridge.

Just a few days ago, a study revealed that three in four Britons believe that both Oxford and Cambridge universities are not doing enough to recruit poorer students. Of course it is right to call these institutions out when they fail to boost diversity. But why are we fixated on just these two?

The historic buildings, gowns and traditions at the heart of these elite institutions can feel far removed from reality for many. The sense of grandeur and exclusivity make them unique.

We also expect more of Oxbridge with its global reputation for excellence and impressive alumni made up of leaders from around the world. Not to mention the high number of MPs educated there.

But ultimately I believe our country’s obsession with Oxford and Cambridge boils down to our obsession with class. There is an almost tribal “us versus them” mentality around people who went to Oxbridge and those who did not. The same exists with private school and state school education.

As an education reporter, often the first questions that I am asked during dinners with contacts is “where did you go to university?” closely followed by ”where did you go to school?”.

There is no doubt that this questioning is more pronounced in the education bubble. But for many Brits, it is not an unusual topic for small talk. It is a quick way for us to judge someone’s privilege.

My work as an education correspondent has taught me not to jump to conclusions. There is still a long way for Oxford and Cambridge to go, but they’ve made improvements. And yet, a number of institutions, which are less in the spotlight, have seen their intakes become less diverse than before.

It is important to widen our horizons and not see things as simply black and white.

Yours,

Eleanor Busby

Education correspondent