Social class and income distribution remain the strongest predictors of both educational achievement and life outcomes. Despite government hopes, education does not generally promote social mobility; children from low income families tend to have lower attainment than their more affluent peers when they begin school, and the gap widens as they progress through the education system. Recent UK governments have sought to improve educational outcomes for all pupils, through greater school diversification, competition and parental choice. There is debate about the effectiveness of this strategy, and especially its potential impact on social segregation. This research sought to establish the strategies used by parents to aid their children's educational outcomes, and to what extent this varies across social class groups. The research is based on analysis of data from a YouGov poll of 1173 parents of children aged 5-16 years, conducted in November 2012. This report confirms the extent to which an independent education is the preserve of the well-off. The Sutton Trust has the support of 90 leading independent day schools for the Open Access scheme which would democratise the best independent schools so that entry to them is based on ability rather than ability to pay. However, there is an equally important gap in access to good state schools. This research shows the extent to which those who can afford to do so choose to live in the right catchment areas, employ tutors and ensure their children have extra lessons and enrichment activities that are often too expensive for other families.