Commenting on Education Secretary ’s speech today (Thursday
13 April) about the government’s plans to increase the number of
selective schools in England, Malcolm Trobe, Interim General
Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders
(ASCL), said:
“The Secretary of State’s attempt to justify the expansion of
selection on the premise that it will benefit ‘ordinary working
families’ smacks of desperation. Tinkering with admissions codes
will not alter the fact that these schools will be able to
benefit only a minority of young people.
“The evidence we have seen does not support the premise that
the further expansion of selection will improve education for the
majority of young people. The evidence indicates that it will
have a damaging impact on the life chances of the majority who do
not attend a selective school.
“The government’s obsession with selection is a dangerous
distraction. Ministers need to deal with the real issue which is
the funding crisis that is affecting schools of every type and in
every part of the country. The best way to deliver a good school
place for every child is to ensure existing schools and colleges
have sufficient funding and access to a ready supply of
high-quality teachers and leaders.
“ASCL wants all young people to succeed in order to realise
their full potential and to create a workforce with the capacity
and skills to enable the UK to thrive in a global economy.”
