Its schools operate as businesses and when there is an economic downturn the sector suffers. Social and academic isolation is not good for its pupils. The best comprehensives, including some serving deprived communities, tailor these characteristics to their own needs - and circumstances. It is true that parents who educate their children privately pay twice for the privilege, in general taxation and fees. But the contest between state and private is unequal not just in terms of funding.
State schools are comprehensive.
To them falls the challenge of providing meaningful education for the full ability range. They do not always meet it. The Fabian Society believes that effectively forcing independent schools to follow the example of the best comprehensives while maintaining their higher level of funding would solve the problem and secure equality of opportunity in education. But its solution is unworkable. Whether we like it or not, outlawing selection would make private schools much less popular with parents.