Political changes during the summer fuelled speculation about the future of the Educational Excellence Everywhere White Paper. The issue of grammar schools stimulated further debate, building to a crescendo before any announcement was even made.
The title of the government’s consultation – Schools that work for everyone – is a commendable aspiration, albeit one that schools work tirelessly to achieve on a daily basis. The controversy centres on, but is not restricted to, selection by ability at 11, although in practice selection tests for many take place at the age of 10.
Selection by merit is another sound aspiration, but one where the system is “played” up and down the country. For the policy to achieve its aims, it would require significant safeguards to ensure fair and equal opportunity for all children – not just a privileged few.
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