Comprehensive Future

The latest @NP_Partnership Fairer Schools Index confirms what we already knew: grammar schools’ “top” rankings are often just a reflection of their selective intake, NOT better teaching. When you adjust for pupil background, their scores drop significantly.northernpowerhousepartnership.co.uk/northern-power…

Reform UK is reportedly considering lifting the ban on new grammar schools. But England already has selective areas, and the evidence shows this system isn't working. Expanding selection would be a step backwards. comprehensivefuture.org.uk/reform-signals…

The idea of “bringing back grammar schools” is pure nostalgia politics. Modern education systems focus on raising standards for all children, not selecting a minority and leaving the rest behind. dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1…

@comp_future Of course, the creation of grammar schools requires the creation of secondary modern schools for those who fail to pass the grammar school selection test. It is therefore true that Reform UK wish to create new secondary modern schools.

It's being reported that Reform UK plan to create new grammar schools if it comes into power. Such a bad move! Do parents really want to see more primary school children sitting the 11-plus? 🙁inews.co.uk/news/politics/…

Awful policy move. 🙁

Councillors admit they have “no powers” to influence grammar school admissions following a call to boost the number of local children securing spots. 🫤echo-news.co.uk/news/25902996.…

What is Reform UK's policy on grammar schools? So far the party has been quiet on this issue, but are there hints they want to expand selection? comprehensivefuture.org.uk/reform-uk-and-…

It's ridiculous that grammar schools that select high-attaining pupils are treated as equals to all other schools. “This comparison is too crude to help school leaders or parents. Schools with lower pupil attainment on entry will be judged unfairly.”schoolsweek.co.uk/grammars-shine…

Reform UK still has no stated policy on academic selection, but it now has a new education spokesperson. In 2022, Suella Braverman said, 'A government I lead would say yes to new grammar schools in any county that wants one.' schoolsweek.co.uk/suella-braverm…

'Children as young as five or six access tutors for the 11-plus.' The pressure to win places in London grammar schools is intense, and surely children this young shouldn't stress about a high stakes test? standard.co.uk/news/london/gr…

There’s no such thing as a “tutor-proof” 11+. Switching to English and maths doesn’t remove advantage, it just rewards long-term academic coaching. Our take on the latest grammar school reforms. comprehensivefuture.org.uk/can-an-11-plus…

There's no such thing as a 'tutor proof' test. Moving the test date to July may avoid holiday cramming, but tuition will simply be brought forward, and this becomes a test for 9 and 10-year-olds. Are children of 9 old enough to cope with a high stakes test?dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1…

Grammar school sends pupils to top universities? This looks like a dull headline, but Ikley Grammar ditched the 11-plus in 1970. Just goes to show no school needs to restrict entry with a test, pupils thrive in inclusive comprehensive schools. thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/25833040.…

"If schools are deploying on 11 year olds techniques more common to a trauma counselling session, it’s fair to say you’ve failed to produce a humane education system." thecanary.co/global/world-a…

This was an important debate in Northern Ireland. A majority of the Assembly voted in favour of ending selection in a non-binding motion. The transfer test system was described as 'brutal' and 'negatively impacting children.' belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/education…

This podcast is the most downloaded Teachers Talk Radio show of the year so far. Listen to CF's chair outlining the problems with grammar schools, and explaining how education could be improved to offer a good local school for every child. podbean.com/ep/pb-ma6kx-1a…

@daisychristo Laura McInerney wrote a great piece on the difference between specialisms in sport, performance arts etc. and academic work. theguardian.com/education/2017…

Pondering the FT article on China's "genius plan". In the UK, why do we have such different attitudes to selection and competition in sports and academics? If you suggested something like the genius plan in the UK, everyone would be up in arms: too much pressure, too intense, kids need to be well rounded, it will backfire as they will all drop out when they are 20, it will stifle creativity, etc. But people are mostly fine with equivalent types of early elite selection & prep for sports. Why is this?

@FifiDeLyonBliss @NickDMathison I understand around 40% of children go to grammar schools in Northern Ireland. The 'transfer test' is still a big part of life.

@comp_future @NickDMathison Is the examination still a requirement in Northern Ireland?

Fine speech from @NickDMathison in Northern Ireland. "It is an unfair and unnecessary process for our 10 and 11 year-old children to sit those tests simply for them to move on to the next stage in their education journey."theyworkforyou.com/ni/?id=2026-01…