Analysis of Ryan's Expulsion, Social Class and Reality TV

In Britain the terms "public school" and "private school" are interchangeable.

To earn a scholarship at UK's most prestigious schools is a significant achievement. Competition is fierce and only the very few will be awarded.

Those who don’t get an academic scholarship may be offered sport, art, music, drama and technology scholarships.

Many of the best known public schools are extremely expensive. Some of the most expensive school’s charge almost £30k per annum, about one and a half times the average income in the UK. This makes it harder for poor or average families to get their children into a good school.

Ryan got lucky that a television company offered to pay for his school. Ryan really wants to do his best in school but gets no guidance. This ends with him getting expelled because of a drinking session with his schoolmates.

‘Now I feel if I walk out on the streets that ordinary people will feel I have let them down’ says Ryan after his expulsion. He was feeling guilty but he had to get the education for himself and not for others.

A debate came out of this, was he a victim or a fool?

Ryan himself doesn’t believe he was a victim of this, he says ‘It’s made me understand my abilities and to know how far I can go’