Oxford needs inspiration

5 August 2006

There may have been some dumbing down of A-levels. In some areas, the sciences in particular, undergraduates may arrive less equipped in terms of skills and knowledge than some of their predecessors. But I do not doubt that in terms of academic ability the present generation can comfortably hold its own with that of the Sixties. How could it be otherwise when Oxford has the benefit (previously substantially denied it) of the best and brightest of young women?

The modern undergraduate may be less concerned with what ‘good brave causes’ are left: Iraq is not the new Vietnam, nor the animal rights movement the new CND. They may not, in an era of professionalisation of sport, enrich — rowing apart — national teams, but their energy, enthusiasm and creativity seem to me undiminished.

As a politician, Tony Blair’s attitude to Oxford was ambivalent. As a parent he showed his support. During his time as Prime Minister there has been no slippage in Oxford’s standing. It has for four years topped the Times league table of British universities and ranks in the premier league internationally. But it would receive no favours from a Brown premiership. His celebrated outburst in 2000 about Laura Spence, portrayed as an applicant Joan of Arc sacrificed to reactionary prejudice, had all the virtues except those of accuracy and honesty. And Oxford cannot necessarily rely on that nice young Mr Cameron, a graduate of Brasenose and the Bullingdon, and tutored by the A.J.P. Taylor de nos jours, Professor Vernon Bogdanor. Would he hug John Hood?

Oxford’s concern about who has the keys to No. 10 might disappear if it were no longer tied to governmental apron strings. To develop its mission as an elite university, Oxford needs inspiration as well as administration. Does it need privatisation? I’ve put that issue in my successor’s tray marked ‘Pending’. I wish him well. He will live in interesting times.