Simon English: Giving short shrift to the Old Etonians

Outlook The City trader was worried. He's enduring bad times, only making enough money to cover the mortgage and the school fees; after that he's skint.

The trader is one of those folk who believes that good parenting includes sending your child to Eton. "Opportunities I never had" goes the predictable speech. Mix in all the right circles. Join the ruling classes.

Don't worry if most of them turn out weird. At least they are in charge and weird.

His trader mate says he's not being logical. If you were analysing the success of Eton and Old Etonians like it were a share, says the mate, you'd short the hell out of it.

Eton has clearly peaked as a place of influence. It is at an All Time High. Sell.