There's no doubt that grammar schools in the 50's and 60's contributed greatly to social mobility. I lived in Birmingham and pupils came from different areas of the city whereas now there are only the King Edward Foundation grammar schools and tbh they tend to draw kids from middle class homes or those with very high aspirations for their children's education and the ability to pay for coaching as without it a child, however bright, won't stand much of a chance of getting a high enough score. The comps draw from the local neighbourhood and sadly too often those in middle class areas perform well and those in more disadvantaged areas do less well. Obviously there are exceptions so I am talking generally but I think there probably is less social mobility.
I now live in a rural area, our local comprehensive draws from the local area and is over subscribed but although it does reflect the local population, parents do move to the area to secure a school place for their children and it serves them very well academically. Unsurprisingly, middle class kids still tend to do better. Whatever system we have some parents will use it to gain advantage for their children so perhaps the answer is to keep working to improve all schools?
Being quizzed by chemist's assistant in Boots.
Good Morning Thursday 18th April 2024