Tuesday, 9 August 2016

Guardian letter on Tories and grammar schools

Owen Smith is wrong to say that the move towards grammar schools is a "sign of the weakness of Labour as an opposition" in that the Tories "think they can get away with it" (PM`s grammar school scheme faces backlash, 08/08/16). What it actually signifies is that Theresa May`s talk about reducing inequality is yet more Tory rhetoric; her determination to display compassionate Conservatism is simply political posturing.
     A prime minister, wanting to return state education to the days of selection, when it means up to 80% of eleven year-olds, mostly from poor backgrounds, are denied access to an education designed to suit the needs of a privileged few, is doing the exact opposite to creating "a country that works for everyone". 
     May might well believe in the grammar school mythology, but there are thousands of us, who experienced first-hand the divisiveness of the system, and its appalling unfairness and inefficiency, willing to testify otherwise. It`s a myth that needs de-bunking once and for all!

 

No comments:

Post a Comment