The Independent reports on a study that shows students from blue-collar backgrounds achieve lower leaving certificate results than students from white-collar backgrounds. Where’s the surprise?? It only makes sense that those in white-collar are going to get better support from friends and family. I constantly sought advice from my brothers, friends and parents whenever I had questions on subjects I was studying and a teacher was not available. ‘Blue collar’ students don’t have this network of support. The suggestion that the abolishment of fees has made no difference is grossly misrepresented. It’ll take far longer than 15 years to see the full effect as we wait on those who first enjoyed free education to have children and in doing so begin to build the educational support networks currently enjoyed by the wealthier section of Ireland.