We’d like to know what the new intake of MPs think of the 11-plus.  Nearly 1 in 5 of England’s schoolchildren are affected by academic selection. Would you be willing to contact your MP to seek their views on this issue? We are particularly interested in seeking the views of the new Labour MPs in selective areas such as Kent and Bucks. But wherever you live, your support would be a big help.

It’s simple to get involved with this project.

  1. You can use the https://www.theyworkforyou.com/ website to find your MP and send an email message.
  2. We have written some suggested text below, but feel free to adapt this, or write your own message.
  3. When your MP responds we’d appreciate it if you let us know what they say. You can forward the email response to info@comprehensivefuture.org.uk.

Here is some suggested text to send your MP if you live in an area with grammar schools.

Dear x,

I would be interested in your views on the 11+ test and the fact our area still has grammar schools when most of the country has non-selective schools. The 11+ was abolished in most parts of England over 50 years ago. I would like to see this happen in (insert your region.)

  • Disadvantaged pupils are underrepresented in grammar schools. Just 5% of grammar school pupils are on free school meals, while the average in non-selective schools is 23%.
  • 92% of primary heads in selective areas believe the 11+ negatively impacts pupil’s self-esteem when children fail the test.
  • A study of 500,000 pupils in England showed “results from grammar schools are no better than expected” once social stratification (such as poverty, ethnicity, language, special educational needs) is taken into account.

The selective system causes social inequality, stress and upset to primary school children, and it doesn’t produce better results.

I would be interested to hear your views on whether you think (insert your region) should retain a grammar school system.

Yours sincerely,

(your name and address)

Here is a message to send if you live in an area with comprehensive schools.

Dear x,

I would be interested to hear your views on the 11+ test and grammar schools. The 11+ was abolished in most parts of England over 50 years ago, but this unfair system still affects around 19% of England’s schoolchildren in areas such as Kent, Buckinghamshire and Lincolnshire.

  • Disadvantaged pupils are underrepresented in grammar schools. Just 5% of grammar school pupils are on free school meals, while the average in non-selective schools is 23%.
  • 92% of primary heads in selective areas believe the 11+ negatively impacts pupil’s self-esteem when children fail the test.
  • A study of 500,000 pupils in England showed “results from grammar schools are no better than expected” once social stratification (such as poverty, ethnicity, language, special educational needs) is taken into account.

The selective system causes social inequality, stress and upset to primary school children, and it doesn’t produce better results.

I would be interested to hear your views on whether you think grammar schools should be phased out.

Yours sincerely,

(your name and address)

CF would be very grateful for your help with this project.