As a teenager, University of Adelaide vice-chancellor professor Warren Bebbington thought he would leave high school at the earliest opportunity and start an apprenticeship.

Bebbington’s father, also assumed this, as he left high school at 14. It wasn’t until Bebbington was offered a Commonwealth secondary scholarship in year 10 that he found the first “glimmer” of aspiration to complete high school. And in year 12, “to my father’s absolute astonishment” Bebbington was offered a similar scholarship to enrol in university.

Drawing from this anecdote, Bebbington has argued that universities need to put greater effort in inspiring smart school kids from disadvantaged backgrounds to aspire to enrol in, and plan for, university.

As a teenager, University of Adelaide vice-chancellor professor Warren Bebbington thought he would leave high school at the earliest opportunity and start an apprenticeship.<br><br>Bebbington’s father, also assumed this, as he left high school at 14. It wasn’t until Bebbington was offered a Commonwealth secondary scholarship in year 10 that he found the first “glimmer” of aspiration to complete high school. And in year 12, “to my father’s absolute astonishment” Bebbington was offered a similar scholarship to enrol in university.<br><br>Drawing from this anecdote, Bebbington has argued that universities need to put greater effort in inspiring smart school kids from disadvantaged backgrounds to aspire to enrol in, and plan for, university.

Campus Review

As a teenager, University of Adelaide vice-chance…

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