Grammar schools

I see from a recent report that bright kids at comprehensive schools are held back by being put in mixed ability classes. The only surprising thing is that anyone should find this odd.

I was lucky enough to go to a proper grammar school, before it became a private school, but both my kids went to an, admittedly very good, comprehensive. While they both went to Uni and have succeeded in their chosen professions, I am convinced they would both have passed their eleven plus and gone to grammar school, where they would have done even better.

Grammar schools are also the only way that bright kids from less well off backgrounds can get a good education. I think one problem is many people think that education is all about the kids. It is not, it is about ensuring that the upcoming generation is as competent, or more so, than the previous. This is clearly not the case at the moment.

Maybe the eleven plus is not the best way to choose pupils for grammar schools, although whatever method chosen should involve some stress. You are, after all, selecting the next generation of leaders.

So, political wonks out there, if you want my vote, BRING BACK GRAMMAR SCHOOLS!!