Sir, If we truly want to learn the lessons of the past few months, then there seems no better place to start than with the education of our children. The professions, finance industry and government have immersed themselves in an entitlement culture, which has led to ever higher levels of pay, indifferent performance and a lack of social cohesion. The origin of this problem is, in part, our dysfunctional education system.

If we must have grammar schools, then the bright should be able to enter and flourish academically (report, Feb 6). Unfortunately what seems to happen is that the poor but academically bright are being shoved aside by the mediocre but well-drilled entry from the prep schools, which are set up to deliver selective entry.

Britain continues to suffer from indifferent management and the results are now all too apparent, as every day the products of this system blame others, a lack of resources or external events for a failure to think ahead and demonstrate a complacent, self-satisfied personal agenda. There is a belief that money can buy success and that the acquisition of more money is the only worthwhile objective in life. Grammar schools often produce linear thinking individuals, partly because their intake is socially exclusive. The results they achieve often are unsurpassed, but it would be surprising if this was not the case. The 85 per cent of those who don’t enter those hallowed portals are left to make the best of what is left and logic would dictate that much talent is never properly encouraged.

The parents of prep school children no doubt feel entitled to believe that their child should enter a grammar school and feel short-changed when this is put at risk by government policy. The school possibly prefers its entry to consist of wealthy, conformist and reasonably bright children, but the cost of such a policy to the nation may be infinitely greater than the anguish caused by disappointing some ambitious parents.

Richard Styles

richard_styles_54@hotmail.co.uk

Sir, We believe that the creation of a level playing field in the selection process, so that children can be judged on their own merits, is entirely justifiable. But Poole council’s actions are denying a section of their local pupils access to that process. The School Admissions Code expressly sets out the Government’s aim to “create a schools system shaped by parents that delivers excellence and equity, developing the talents and potential of every child, regardless of their background; a system where all parents feel they have the same opportunities to apply for the schools they want for their child”. The action taken by Poole council, by discriminating against children educated at local independent schools, is in direct opposition to this policy. ISC calls upon the Department for Children, Schools and Families to take action to enforce the equality they seek for all children.

Independent schools operate in deprived areas and admit children from all backgrounds. Many receive bursaries or other financial support. Are they to be denied the opportunity to attend the local school of their choice? And will state school children receiving extra private tuition be sent to the end of the queue too?

David Lyscom

Chief Executive, Independent Schools Council

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