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The article discusses the influence of social privilege as a result of schooling at elite public schools including Eton, Harrow, and Winchester College, and addresses the possibility of creating similar social networks for students who attend state-funded schools in Great Britain. It notes the success of many elite school graduates due to social connections rather merit, the importance of teaching self-reliance, and cultural capital.

The article focuses on the claims that private schools in Great Britain are at risk of being corrupted by big donations from foreign parents who believe that paying more money will give their children better education. According to an education consultant, Kazakh and Chinese parents are more likely to make sizeable donations to their child's school in a mistaken belief that this will ensure preferential treatment. The misunderstanding of donation system in private schools is discussed.

Several letters to the editor are presented in response to articles in previous issues including "Why the World Is Buying What We're Rejecting," in the July 20, 2012 issue, "Use or Lose the Pupil Premium, But Use it Wisely," in the July 27, 2012 issue, and "Elite Private School Group May Force Out 'Struggling' Members," in the July 27, 2012 issue.

The article discusses a study by the Independent Schools Association into British independent schools' attitude toward free school status. It comments on the reduction of autonomy that is associated with free schools, as well as the economic aspects of the decision to apply for free school status. It addresses concerns of independent schools over politics' effect on school functioning.

The article presents British bookstore chain owner Tim Waterstone's recollections of his schooling and favorite teacher. He attended Tonbridge, which he describes as a minor public school, though he qualifies that by noting inspirational teachers. He recalls the school chaplain's wife, Mrs. Austin, who tutored students in English. He credits her with kindness but also with opening his imagination, inspiring him to analyze stories, and introducing him to authors he might not otherwise have read.

Focuses on the funding schemes being considered by the British Funding Agency for Schools (FSA) for grant-maintained schools. Common Funding Formula (CFF); Effect on local education authority-maintained schools; Parents Opposed to Opting Out.

The author discusses school finance in Great Britain, rather than a competitive athletic culture, as the key reason for independent schools producing a high number of Olympic-quality athletes as compared to state schools, and notes use of class prejudice in Great Britain's politics.

The article reports on the impact of the new early-years funding program of the government on the budget of the primary and secondary schools in Great Britain. According to National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) consultant George Phipson that the new early-years formula is part of the scheme of local authorities on their run-up for the general election. He warns that these schools can avert the effect of the formula on their budgets by joining in the setting process through school forums.

The article describes how the European Convention on Human Rights' introduction of "public authorities" into its framework will affect British schools. A "public authority" is defined as an institution created by the state for the purpose of fulfilling the duties of the state. Details of which British schools fall under the purview of "public agency" according the the Convention on Human Rights are offered.

The author argues for nationalizing British independent schools such as Eton College, the Harrow School, and the Rugby School in light of Great Britain's 2006 Charities Act. It is reported that the Act requires private schools to offer places to low income students in order to retain their charitable status. Comments from British Charity Commission chair Suzi Leather that such schools could have assets seized by the government if they choose to opt out of their charitable status are referenced.

The article reports that headteachers from Britain's private schools should be sent into state-sponsored schools to help them improve, according to a report. The recommendation came from a report sent to education ministers. The venture would be part of the Independent State School Partnership, which was created in 1998 to foster cooperation between government and privately-funded schools. Private schools should also be given funding to help them partner with state schools in specific subject areas.

Reports on plan of private education firm, Global Education Management Systems (GEMS), to invest in two city academies in Great Britain. Education ministers' rejection of the proposals of Sunny Varley, founder of GEMS; Claims of the company that its motive for opening the schools is simply philanthropic; Implications for privately-run state education.

Focuses on the cost of state schools in Great Britain. Comparison of state and privately provided education; Issue of the hidden expenses for the maintained sector; Costs allocated by the government for state pupil.

Reports on the alleged introduction of a legislation that will allow the creation of Great Britain's first state-funded school with private business backing called city academy, for pupils aged 5 to 18. Proposed location of the school; Source of the money for the construction of the school.

Reports on the controversy between the British Labour party and the public schools over the assisted places scheme in Great Britain. Four independent schools that received more than a million pounds each in 1992-1993; Opposition by Labor to the means-tested scheme introduced by the Conservatives in 1981; Introduction of the scheme by the former education secretary Mark Carlisle in the 1980 Education Act.

Presents an interview with British legislator Julian Critchley, a Conservative Member of Parliament. Educational experiences; Fear as great cement of public schools; Encounter with teacher Harry Wood; Wood's sympathy and encouragement.

Reports on the opposing views of British grant-maintained school heads over the new funding system. Criticism of the Common Funding Formula (CFF); Clamor for needs-based funding formula.

Reports on the management buyout planned by the staff and former pupils of the Allhallows public school in Devon, Great Britain. Decline in the number of pupils and income of the school; Drafting of business plans and marketing strategies for the school; Staff and former pupils' efforts to raise one million pounds for the school.

Reports on the support given by the Labor council to the application for state funding by the Muslim Girls' Community School in West Bowling, Bradford to the Department of Education in Great Britain. Expected period of adjudication; Previous applicants who were denied support; Preference for voluntary-aided status over grants.

Reports on the decline in boarding of British public schools. Revelation of a drop in the number of pupils; Indication of improvements in the economy; Stability of teacher-pupil ratios in independent schools.

Argues for a return to Victorian values in dealing with the assets of public schools in Great Britain. Proposal for the establishment of Education Commissioners to examine and suggest the best use of the vast assets held by education charities; Inspection of education charities during the second half of the 19th century; Establishment of technical sixth-form colleges throughout Great Britain.

Reports on the appointment of five education authorities to develop the common funding formula (CFF) for grant-maintained schools. Statistics on Hillingdon, Bromley, Essex, Calderdale and Gloucestershire authorities regarding opted-out schools.

Reports on British Secretary of State John Patten's verbal assault of chief education officers. Comments of Roy Pryke and Tim Brighouse on opting out issues; Legal status of education officers; Roles of chief education officers.

Reports on plans to increase government funds for the British Grant-Maintained Schools Centre. Intervention of Secretary of State John Patten; Financial difficulties of the center; Resolution of the center's budget; Need for the Department of Education to sort out a rescue package.

Focuses on the British Department for Education which has been criticized by the Audit Commission for failing to safeguard financial accountability. Grant-maintained schools and finance management; Absence of statutory checks for the prevention of fund misallocation or misuse; Creation of more quasi-autonomous non-governmental organizations (quangos) through the Education Act.

Opinion. Discusses the extent to which British public schools should be accountable to parents and the government for educational outcomes. National curriculum; School Examinations and Assessment Council; Testing for diagnostic purposes; Value system of schools; Role of schools in values education.

Reports on Education Miniter Robin Squire's refusal to answer questions on the possible misuse of public funds by grant-maintained schools. Criticism from the House of Commons; Comments of Cecil Knight; National Audit Office (NAO); Financial management of schools; Repayment of public funds under the Education Reform Act; Standing Advisory Committee of Grant-Maintained Schools; Common Funding Formula.

Discusses the plan of the British government to streamline the recoupment arrangement for students enrolled in schools outside their districts. Unconstitutionality; Council of Local Education Authorities; Direct payment to schools; Administrative savings.

Reports on the refusal of some grant-maintained schools in Great Britain to integrate blind students into the student body unless additional funding is given. Royal National Institute for the Blind; Special needs campaigning; Joseph Clarke School; Higham's Park secondary.