Higher education as grocery store

I want you to imagine a parallel world. In this world, which in most respects looks like our own, there are different types of grocery store. At the top of the pile is Fortnum & Mason purveying exquisite delicacies, just below them are Waitrose and Marks & Spencer, full of yummy high quality things. Next in line are Tesco, Sainsbury's and Asda for everyday shopping. Trailing at some distance are the discounters Lidl, Aldi etc - good in their own way, but containing lots of brands that you have never heard of.   

Before you are allowed into any of them you have to show your educational credentials to a security guard at the door. Anyone can shop at Lidl and Aldi, but to get into Tesco, Sainsbury's or Asda you must have got at least BBC at A level. To get into Waitrose and Marks & Spencer you need AAB and for Fortnum & Mason at least AAA. The strange thing is, whichever shop you go into, the price of your weekly shopping is the same. This really is an odd world, completely unlike our own. Or is it? You might want to read this story from the Guardian and think about it.