Privately educated pupils more likely to become healthy adults, study finds

According to a study conducted by the UCL Institute of Education, private school pupils are more likely to have healthy habits in their adult life, than their state educated peers.

The research examined 8,400 people and found that 42 year-olds who attended private school watched less television and ate fewer fast-food meals than 42-year olds who were state educated. They were also found to have a lower body-mass index (BMI).

The study analysed data from over 8,400 men and women born in a single week in 1970 and noted whether the participants went to school and their health at age 42. The links between a private education and healthy living habits persevered even after socioeconomic background, childhood health and cognitive ability were taken into account.

David Bann, the study’s lead author, suggested that pupils from private schools are more likely to have extra money to invest in extracurricular activities than state schools, which could help them develop healthy habits that benefit them late on life. Furthermore, private school education is linked to high adult earnings which mean, adults have more money to cover the cost of a healthy diet and exercise.

Mann explained: “Given continued concerns about school funding and the selling off of state-school playing fields, our research suggests that there might be long-term health benefits of improving recreational as well as academic opportunities for pupils.”

“To reduce health inequalities among future generations, policymakers will likely need to address inequalities in our education system. Does an elite education benefit health? Findings from the 1970 British Cohort Study is published in the International Journal of Epidemiology.”