James Coombs
Documents released under the Freedom of Information Act have raised fresh questions about transparency in selective school admissions.
The documents show that GL Assessment (GLA), a major provider of 11-plus tests, circulated guidance to schools and local authorities advising them on how to respond to Freedom of Information requests relating to admissions testing.
The guidance, sent in October 2024, included advice that some requests for 11-plus test score information should be refused on the grounds that disclosure could prejudice GL Assessment’s commercial interests.
James Coombs, who has long campaigned for greater openness around 11-plus testing, said, ‘“GLA provide over 90% of the commercial 11-plus tests used in England. They have a track record of discouraging information about their tests from being published, including questions around age standardisation and whether tests may disadvantage some groups of pupils. Information about children’s education should be open to public scrutiny. That matters far more than attempts to protect a company’s commercial interests.”
In an earlier case concerning disclosure of 11-plus testing information, Judge Snelson criticised evidence provided in support of withholding information, describing it as “an unhealthy combination of mere assertion and creative speculation. It rests on no evidential basis.”
Tribunal rulings in recent years have challenged some of the arguments used to justify withholding information about 11-plus testing and admissions processes. Legal challenges have repeatedly resulted in additional information being disclosed following attempts to withhold it.
The newly released FOI correspondence also shows efforts to prevent disclosure of the guidance itself. In an initial response to a request, the public authority involved refused disclosure, citing concerns that releasing the material could lead to legal action for breach of confidence. Following independent legal advice, the authority later released the documents in April 2026.
These disclosures prompt concerns about accountability within selective areas of England, where public bodies rely on private companies to administer the high-stakes tests used to determine access to grammar schools.
James Coombs said, “Tribunal proceedings in recent years have raised significant questions about transparency surrounding 11-plus testing and the disclosure of admissions information. This newly released correspondence suggests testing providers were actively advising schools and local authorities on how to resist certain FOI requests.”
Comprehensive Future believes parents and the public should be able to scrutinise how selective admissions systems operate because these testing processes have a significant impact on children’s educational opportunities.
The released documents can be viewed HERE.
