Grammar school myths: “Comprehensive schools dumb down education and ‘bright’ kids miss out.”
There is a widely held view that mixed-ability comprehensive schools ‘fail’ bright children, but there is not much evidence to back this ... Read more
Grammar School Heads’ Association and DfE water down inclusion plans
Schools Week reports that the government appears to have 'watered down' its agreement with grammar schools to admit more disadvantaged pupils. A ... Read more
United Nations Committee says the UK should phase out grammar schools
The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child has written a report making observations on the rights of children in United Kingdom ... Read more
News round-up: attainment gaps widen when schools are segregated, secrecy about grammar school plans, and more
The link between attainment gaps and segregated schools Professor Stephen Gorard has written about the link between social segregation within schools and ... Read more
UN Committee on the Rights of the Child calls for academic selection to be phased out
The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child has written a report making observations on the United Kingdom of Great Britain ... Read more
Grammar school myths: “The reason low numbers of disadvantaged pupils access grammar schools today is because there are too few grammar schools.”
There is a misconception that because there are a relatively small number of grammar schools remaining in England this is why they ... Read more
Grammar school myths: “The 11-plus exam is based on sound scientific research and is an effective way of identifying the most intelligent children.”
The science behind the 11-plus is controversial and its history is full of scandal. The idea that 'intelligence' is fixed and can ... Read more
Grammar school myths: “Grammar schools are outstanding schools, just look at their great results.”
Schools are always a mix of good and bad, teaching quality will always vary to some extent, and no school can realistically ... Read more
Grammar school myths: “Some children are academic and some are vocational, we need two types of school.”
The idea that there are two types of children needing different routes to academic or vocational education is supported by many people. ... Read more
Grammar school myths: “Grammar schools should be a choice for parents, and available for those who want them.”
There is a view that grammar schools add to the range of choice for parents and so should be more widely available. ... Read more