Posh school taking in poor kids

Eton College has surprised its critics by announcing a revolutionary move that would see up to 40 per cent of pupils drawn from poorer backgrounds.

The world's most famous boarding school is trying to raise £50m to cover a bursary scheme that would pay for gifted students who could never afford the annual £26,490 fees.

The programme is set to transform the school's social mix and see some of the most privileged students sharing desk space with children from struggling sectors of society. It will be one of the biggest and most controversial changes the school has made since opening its doors more than 550 years ago.

The fundraising scheme has raised more than £20m in 18 months, relying on the school's wealthy alumni.

Eton has exerted huge influence on the country for generations. Its old boys include 18 former prime ministers, five Lord Chancellors, the writers Ian Fleming, George Orwell, Aldous Huxley and Percy Shelley, the adventurer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, and Princes William and Harry.

Almost half of David Cameron's Shadow Cabinet are former Etonians, including the Conservative leader himself.