Since the grammar schools programme was ended in 1980’s we have seen the vast majority of state funded children being sent to comprehensives. When the decision was taken to stop the divide between going to grammar or secondary schools the vision was that every child would get an education worthy of a grammar school. Unfortunately the opposite occurred and every child is now given an education similar to that of the students in secondary that failed the eleven plus.
The current education system treats every child the same and does not allow children to excel in set skills. By creating a system that has grammar & professional schools we could allow all children to specialise and be appreciated for the different skills they possess. We should not return to the old eleven plus, we should create a new test that would assess students across the board; academic, technical and other abilities.
The grammar schools would teach children predominantly academic subjects. Whereas the professional schools would focus on training children in a skill whilst teaching basic Maths, Science and English. This would help create a diverse and skilled workforce that benefited the British economy rather than training everyone for similar academic jobs.
I went to school with several students who did not want to be trapped in the classroom, when they were able to join a non-academic setting that did not confine them to fit a mould that was not right for them, they flourished. We should make these opportunities more accessible, so people who are academic can focus their time in the classroom and value the contribution and skills of non-academic workers.
Since grammar schools were removed from the British school system social mobility has collapsed, those who could afford to go to private schools got the best educations, top University places and the highest paid jobs. The comprehensive schools have dragged everyone who could not afford private education away from high level achievement and jobs irrespective of their intelligence. Grammar schools will bring back aspiration to the working and middle classes in education who could not previously afford it and bridge the gap between the state and private education.
Competition is avoided within state schools, which is a real shame as it stops teachers and other students encouraging themselves to strive to be better. So instead we have a system that is a race to the bottom, where those above average are ignored as long as they are passing and achieving quotas, while those not near enough to a pass grade are not encouraged or offered appropriate options as they are not seen as a viable resource within the present structure. This targets culture, has meant students aspirations and personalities are ignored for the sake of statistics. Lets start focusing on the individual and tailoring education to every child individually.
