THE headteacher of one of the country's top private schools has called on his peers to put children's interests "above narrow self-interest" in calls for a shake-up of the "failed" state education system.

Richard Cairns, headteacher at Brighton College, urged fellow private school bosses to speak up in support of a public inquiry into state education while addressing delegates at a Brighton College conference yesterday (Thurs).

He said: "We all know that independent schools are the quiet beneficiaries of every failure in the school system. But for the sake of all the nation's children, we do need to speak out and put their interests above our own narrow self-interest.

"I doubt anyone here thinks that we don't need a full-scale royal commission into the state of education in our country. The time surely is now."

His comments came despite potentially having an adverse effect on parental interest in independent schooling.

Mr Cairns acknowledged the advantages children at independent schools have, including an increased likelihood of going to a top university, earning a good salary and representing England at rugby and cricket.

But he said a radical shake-up of the state system was needed for the sake of children across the country.

He said: "Now is the time for the Prime Minister to show leadership in this area, convening a commission of experts across the world, with an open mind, tasked with devising a new way forward for our schools.

"And wouldn't it be great if this sector, the independent sector, were to lead the way in campaigning for such a commission? A sector acting in the interests of the many, not the few."

In a statement, the Department for Education said: "The assumption that state schools need to learn from the independent sector is outdated.

"Thanks to our reforms, 1.4 million more pupils and counting are being taught in good or outstanding state schools than in 2010 and, as the independent Good Schools Guide has recognised, the state sector is increasingly matching the private sector in terms of academic attainment and learning environment.

"Many independent schools already work closely with the state sector through partnerships with local schools or by opening free schools themselves - like Eton did when it opened Holyport Free School."