You want to share your experiences Lizzie - well here are mine FWIW

I went to an excellent school with dedicated teachers but I came from a poor family and for economic/social reasons was unable to continue school to study for A levels after achieving 10 O levels

I started work at 16 and continued evening class to achieve higher qualifications - it was often very tiring after a long day at work.

I was eventually accepted as a mature student at the age of 24 in the extra mural department of a redbrick university.

I was not 'out there making money' I was out there on my own just surviving and I think I have earned the right to make up my own mind and diaagree with your opinions without having to suffer a personal attack.