Letters: Selective amnesia
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: What those of us who oppose reintroduction of selection must continue to say to John Major, however futile we may feel it to be, is that it won't solve the very real problems which the nation faces.
When we had grammar schools, not only did most children not go to them, but many others left them with very little to show for their supposed advantages. No one ever bothered to ask how many students left grammar school at 15, or left at 16 with very poor O-level results. Comprehensive schools have at the very least presided over an increased staying-on rate, and year-on-year improvements at GCSE, Advanced and degree level.
Britain is not as successful as many of its competitors in educating its citizens; Japanese children, for instance, are reckoned to be up to two years ahead of our own. What the Prime Minister doesn't say, or perhaps doesn't know, is that Japanese schools are comprehensives, and the children are taught largely in classes for mixed-ability groups.
CHRIS DUNNE
Headteacher
Langdon Park School
London E14
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments