It seems astonishing that a Labour Party that has been so vehemently opposed to the 11-plus would consider turning the primary-school Key Stage 2 test into a university entrance exam. But that is the implication of the recommendation by the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust (SSAT), that universities should make links with the top 5 per cent of primary school leavers from the age of 11 onwards, and encourage their families to apply when they turn 18.

The idea that one exam at 11 could accurately predict degree-level genius seven years later would make Tony Crosland turn in his grave. It will also worry many more moderate souls who are concerned that those who have not made the grade may lose confidence — and teacher attention.

Sir Cyril Taylor, chairman of the SSAT, is determined that no child should be overlooked by the top universities as a result of a poor secondary education. But it will be hard for universities to accept all but the most exceptional children who have suffered from poor teaching, if any semblance of fair and open competition is to be maintained. It is difficult to deal in hypotheticals when there are real hard-working students with better grades to confront.

The Russell Group of universities has welcomed the proposals, which may make it easier to try to maintain standards while appeasing the Government's demand for places for more disadvantaged children. But links with universities will do little on their own to end the scandal that so many able children are let down by secondary schools.

It is shameful that the top 5 per cent of 11-year-olds at state schools, as defined by the Key Stage 2 tests, are only half as likely to get three As at A level as those from independent schools. Around 40 per cent of schools have not nominated any child to the Government's National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth, in part because some have set up their own programmes instead. But it is clear that there is still no enthusiasm in some teaching quarters to encourage bright children to fulfil their potential.

In an attempt to tackle the poverty of aspirations, the SSAT will this week be writing to all headteachers with the names of those pupils who have performed best at 11, informing them that it will be tracking their progress. If those children do not achieve three As at A level, the Trust will want to know the reason why. This reminder may concentrate minds.

If the school system worked properly, it would be educating all children to the best of their ability, regardless of circumstances, allowing universities to pick the outstanding performers. Sadly, this is not the case. A host of initiatives will be needed to help bright children overcome the disadvantages of background and, sometimes, of education. The most effective of these will be at school level, both before and after the age of 11. Universities can never make up for school failures, for opportunities lost, for knowledge withheld. Only better teaching will enable all children to achieve their potential.