Labour Voters Back Government Aid

Over half of all Labour voters still back the use of government money to support children from low income families at independent schools according to a MORI poll commissioned by the Independent Schools Information Service (ISIS).

Almost three fifths of the British public support the use of government funds for this purpose, with just over one fifth opposing it.

Support is highest amongst Conservative voters with 70% in favour, and lowest amongst Liberals Democrats with only 51% supporting this measure. Amongst Labour voters, 58% approve and 25% disapprove.

Half of parents say they would send their children to an independent school if they could afford it, although 41% said they would not. Labour voting parents are more evenly split on ths issue (47% in favour with 45% against).

The main reason for parents wanting to send their children to independent schools is the perceived higher standard of education, with smaller classes and better discipline also cited. The belief that standards are as good as state schools is the main reason given by those who would not choose independent schools.

Nearly half (47%) believe that educational standards are lower in state schools than independent schools, with 31% believing them to be the same and just 9% higher.

If educational standards were the same in state schools as in independent schools, two thirds agree that there would still be a role for for independent schools, with 59% of Labour voters agreeing.

Technical details

MORI interviewed a sample of 1,871 adults in 167 constituency-based sampling points between 21-27 August. Data have been weighted to reflect the national profile.