ONE HUNDRED million pounds will be invested by Eton College to address inequality caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

On Saturday, the historic school announced a new social vision known as ‘Eton 2020’ which is set to tackle the widening inequality gap in education due to Covid-19 through four key initiatives.

This includes free places for young people who come from vulnerable and disadvantaged backgrounds to be increased to 140 by 2025 with financial aid for potential students raised.

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Their educational online platform Eton X will be developed and expanded further by adding new courses which will remain free to the state sector.

Discussions have begun with the government to set up new sixth form colleges outside London and the South East to aid social mobility and the college will also develop and grow youth clubs, residential summer schools and a national and local network of partner organisations – particularly in areas of social disadvantage.

Half of the funds will be through donations and revenue from Eton X – with the other £50 million from the college’s endowment it has already committed.

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Head master, Simon Henderson said: “There is no doubt that the inequality gap within education is widening as a result of Covid-19 and we must play our part, as an educational charity, in helping to address such inequality where we can. After this pandemic has receded, we cannot continue as is nothing has changed.”

He added: “I believe passionately that this is the right thing for Eton to be doing – it is the right example to set our boys; the right ambition to set our staff; the right development of our charitable goals and the right contribution to our national need.”