ALL of our children should be entitled to an excellent education, regardless of their income.

In Oxford we are home to one of the world’s leading universities, which so often has to defend itself against claims it is not open enough to those from state schools.

This is why the comments from Cheney School head Jolie Kirby carry a particular resonance here.

No doubt her claims that parents shouldn’t “waste money” on private schools will divide opinion.

Of course parents with the financial means will always be willing to pay for their children to have the best start in life.

But what we should be asking ourselves is why a decent education is not seen as automatically available at a state school.

Mrs Kirby has said that, actually, a well rounded education can be had outside the private sector.

But the extra opportunities pupils have at Cheney School, such as rowing and debating, are not available in every state school. Many struggle with issues that private schools never have to address.

We need a concerted effort to support schools, unlike Cheney, that aren’t in a position to give those added extras.