Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
CLASS DIVIDE Fury as grammars get £50m while other schools face cuts
THERESA May’s £50million gift to grammar schools was branded an elitist move that helps only a small number of brighter pupils but leaves countless others languishing behind.
The PM today hands out the cash to expand 163 selective schools after her bid to build more was scuppered when she lost her majority at the election.
But furious union leaders said the money should be going to those crippled by Tory cuts, where heads have had to beg parents for help to buy books, pens and glue.
And it is feared the move will widen the gap between poor and rich pupils and scupper social mobility hopes. National Education Union joint general secretary Kevin Courtney said: “The grammar school corpse has climbed out of its coffin once again despite evidence of the damage that selective education causes. Schools up and down the country are desperately short of funds.
“This is money that would be better invested in ensuring all schools could provide for their pupils without having to ask for money from parents.
“Selective education systems are also linked with greater inequality in social outcomes later in life.”
Nick Brook, deputy general secretary
THE cost of a family summer holiday can increase by up to 73% once the school holidays have started.
A study found that a Tui holiday for a family of four in Majorca, flying from Leeds, costs £2,128 on July 14. But on July 28, when the schools are out, the cost increases 73% to £3,682.
The study by currency exchange
of school leaders’ union the NAHT, added: “The Government cannot point to a single piece of evidence that shows educational benefit of this misguided policy. While it may benefit a small minority, it will not close the gap between rich and poor pupils.
“The state-funded school
system is heading towards insolvency. To pursue such an elitist policy as this is a distraction at best.”
Education Secretary Damian Hinds claimed expanding grammar schools will give parents “more choice”.
He added: “We can give children of all backgrounds access to a world-class education.” To get a share of the funding, grammars will have to prove they can boost numbers of disadvantaged pupils.
Funding will also be provided to create new voluntary aided schools, run with local council help, if there is demand.
The move comes as 500 head teachers wrote to Mrs May to demand the reversal of £3billion cuts because they are damaging pupils’ educations and futures.
Unions warn the school funding crisis is bigger than the NHS.