Skip to main content
Time to abolish grammar schools
We still suffer under the delusion that selective state schools help social mobility — in fact, they enforce inequality, and once you adjust for other factors their attainment is no better than normal schools. As always, class is elephant in the room, writes IAN SINCLAIR
gramamar

LAST month a new campaign was launched — Time’s Up For The Test. Supported by a coalition of organisations and public figures including Caroline Lucas MP, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and poet Michael Rosen, it’s pushing for an end to the 11-plus exam, and therefore, the abolition of grammar schools and the implementation of a comprehensive education system.

In support of the campaign, Baroness Christine Blower, Labour peer and former general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, has introduced a School Reform of Pupil Selection Bill to the House of Lords.

“The Bill promotes the advantage of a fully comprehensive system. It would end all discriminatory tests which allow schools to select whom they will educate,” she says.

Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
Geopolitical abuse
Features / 16 April 2025
16 April 2025
Despite liberal whining that Trump threatens the ‘international rules-based order,’ the historical record shows Western nations have repeatedly overthrown democracies, backed genocides and violated sovereignty, writes IAN SINCLAIR
deluge
Books / 1 April 2025
1 April 2025
IAN SINCLAIR draws attention to the powerful role that literature plays in foreseeing the way humanity will deal with climate crisis
In this photo provided by Ukraine's 24th Mechanized Brigade
Features / 29 March 2025
29 March 2025
Detailing the deluge of delusion and dishonesty pushed by the pro-war camp, IAN SINCLAIR identifies four key tactics corporate journalists use to confuse audiences and suppress opposition to the proxy war in the east
IS web
Album reviews / 24 March 2025
24 March 2025
New releases from Black Country, New Road, Anouar Brahem, and Jaywalkers
Similar stories
Michael Gove speaking outside BBC Broadcasting House in Lond
Britain / 18 August 2024
18 August 2024
protest
Opinion / 3 July 2024
3 July 2024
ROBERT POOLE dissects Labour’s plans around education