Explanation:

- Suffering: This means to endure or be affected by something negative. It fits well in the context, suggesting the education system has been negatively impacted by an elite bias.

- Correct Option

- Blistering: Relates to something extremely hot or fast and does not fit the context of the sentence.

- Despairing: Means losing hope; while it indicates a negative state, it doesn't align with the context of an ongoing issue with the system.

- Gathering: Indicates collecting or assembling, which doesn't align with the issue of bias.

- Outpouring: Means an overflowing amount, often used for emotions, and doesn't fit the systemic issue described.