[bencevans]

I'm currently an A-Level Student in the UK. I can agree with all the points made.

The education system believes you still need to go to college, uni etc.

I don't anymore.

I've learnt more outside of college (internet, local groups, friends in the area I'm interested in) than what the teachers can teach (I wish they were researchers rather than "curriculum" pushers).

[disgruntledphd2]

I both agree and disagree with you there. I would agree that I myself have learned more from independent study than I have from formal education (and I've almost finished a PhD) but, I did learn a lot of things that I didn't realise I needed from college/university.

Granted given the recent changes to fees in the UK, I completely see where you're coming from. I suppose in your situation (as a (presumably bright) A level student in the UK) it would probably only make economic sense to attend a Russell Group University, preferably Oxbridge.

Then, the real returns from education are not (in my experience) economic. Mind you, money is nice, so don't completely ignore economics.