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‘Bring back grammar schools,’ Siemens boss tells Nicky Morgan

England should open more grammar schools, the UK chief executive of Siemens has told Nicky Morgan. Juergen Maier, who joined the education secretary for a panel discussion at the Confederation of British Industry’s annual conference, called for a return to a selective system with parity of esteem for vocational study. But Ms Morgan insisted England […]

Andrew Old picks his top blogs of the week 23 October 2015

Is there such a thing as a crap school? By @SurrealAnarchy Sometimes it is the most obviously true statements that are the most controversial. To say that some schools are terrible can lead one to be accused of attacking teachers or children. Here, Martin Robinson describes some schools he’s known where there is no excuse […]

Andrew Old picks his top blogs of the week 23 October 2015

Is there such a thing as a crap school? By @SurrealAnarchy Sometimes it is the most obviously true statements that are the most controversial. To say that some schools are terrible can lead one to be accused of attacking teachers or children. Here, Martin Robinson describes some schools he’s known where there is no excuse […]

Grammar expansion plans in at least 10 new areas

Comprehensive school systems are under threat as councils consider grammar expansion proposals – with some schools considering placing annexes outside their boroughs. Nicky Morgan last week allowed the Weald of Kent grammar in Tonbridge to open an annexe for 450 pupils on a site nearly nine miles away in Sevenoaks, although it is believed the decision came directly from No 10. It is understood […]

Judicial review of grammar school expansion “very likely”

It has been widely reported the government’s decision to allow a Kent grammar school to expand to a new site nearly nine miles away will be challenged through the courts. Comprehensive Futures – which campaigns for an end to selection by ability – has told Schools Week it is taking legal advice over whether to […]

New grammar school decision: How secondary moderns are responding

While a lot of loud noise is being made today about the rejuvenation of grammar schools – the secondary moderns that often have to sit in their shadows are quietly planning their own fightback. The government’s controversial decision to approve a grammar school expansion in Kent is set to spark a flurry of similar applications […]

Lucy Powell demands publication of government grammar school advice

Shadow education secretary Lucy Powell has demanded the publication of advice received by Nicky Morgan ahead of her decision to approve plans for a grammar school in Kent. Following the announcement that an application by the Weald of Kent grammar school to expand onto a new site seven miles away from its current base, Ms […]

The case for allowing grammar schools to expand

The comprehensive system is no fairer than the selective schools system, argues campaigner Chris McGovern, and there are many good reasons why we should encourage grammar school expansion A satellite grammar school is to be opened in Sevenoaks and comprehensive school zealots are enraged. The “one size fits all” mantra is being threatened and the “high priests” and “high priestesses” […]

The case against allowing grammars to expand

Only 38 per cent of adults would support the building of more grammar schools. That’s what a YouGov Poll for the Times found last November. Despite this lack of enthusiasm, education secretary Nicky Morgan has bowed to a noisy campaign to allow Weald of Kent Grammar School to establish a satellite grammar at Sevenoaks. The […]