With Prime Minister Theresa May’s decision to reintroduce grammar schools into the education system, the selective debate - silenced since the 1970s- rages once more
Opponents argue that grammar schools are unfair. Deciding at age eleven the route, academic or vocation, that millions of children will take is wrong, they say. It is argued that grammars are another form of class segregation - where the richer children will have access to better teaching and resources allowing them to prosper; while the poorer children would be more likely to fail, owing to a lack of funds for extra tuition.
Supporters on the other hand argue that they are meritocratic and, unlike private schools, grammar schools allow for poorer children to have the opportunity to thrive and succeed.
Grammar schools were common back in the 1960s and 1970s when some of our parents were growing up. They, along with secondary modern schools, provided the backbone of Britain’s education system until the Labour governments of the 1970s shut down the majority of grammars to be replaced by comprehensive schools that today dominate the education system. Although this pleased many, for others it was the destruction of a tradition that had for decades been the common place across the UK.
Fast-forward to 2016, some of those who were educated at grammar schools want a return to this system. Prime Minister Theresa May was one such person educated at a grammar school as well as one-time Education Secretary, Michael Gove. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was also a grammar school boy, but he stands against their reintroduction.
However, it would seem the divisions are more along party lines rather than academic ability. The Opposition under Corbyn have rejected Theresa May’s proposals citing them as unfair and “segregation for the few”. Meanwhile the Prime Minister has stated that grammar schools are now necessary due to the current system “sacrificing children’s potential because of dogma and ideology”.
Ultimately, grammar schools and new secondary moderns, may have to work alongside each other in improving the current education system in the UK.
Views expressed are author's own and do not represent those of Knights Templar School or its staff.