ATL comment on the dice being loaded against poorer pupils going to grammar schools

Commenting on Education Datalab’s report on the percentage of poorer pupils going to grammar schools, Dr Mary Bousted, general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL), said: 

“Education Datalab’s evidence about the deficiencies of the 11+ in Kent adds to the wealth of evidence stacked up against the Government’s obsession with extending selection. The research confirms that the test disadvantages poorer children. If the Government is serious about improving social mobility then grammar schools are clearly not the answer.

“Yet again, this Government seems more interested in embedding privilege for a few children at the expense of the majority.

“Grammar schools are a total distraction from the most important issues facing children’s education – school funding cuts, the shortage of teachers, the shortage of school places, and the rise in mental health issues among children and young people. These are what the Government should be focusing on rather than spending money, particularly when budgets are tight, on policies which will benefit few children.”