YOUR SHOUT

Fiona, well said re grammar schools! I am 74 now and attended a grammar school. We were led to believe we were better than those kids who went to the nearby secondary modern.

It was so divisive that we were separated from our friends from junior school. I became a reasonable achiever, but others who might well have been late developers were left behind.

The Prime Minister’s obsession with grammar schools is totally misplaced. As you say, her views are from her own education.

Norman Hanson, via e-mail

Fiona, now retired, I attended one of the first purpose-built comprehensive schools in South London, which operated exactly as you described Swindon Academy.

Four forms were the grammar stream, six were ‘secondary’ level and there were two for those with additional needs.

GCE O-levels, CSE and RSA qualifications could be studied for, in both academic and practical subjects such as typing and catering. The school had a sixth form and offered A-levels in many subjects, or a standalone RSA secretarial course.

I passed my 11-plus and could have attended the local girls grammar school, but my dad felt comprehensive education really was the way forward. I decided it was the best option for me and have never regretted it.

I think the education I received was of higher quality than the grammar school and mixing with those from all academic and social backgrounds set me up for life.

If the model that was used for my school was duplicated, every child would have access to a superb education within one establishment.

Jan Stewart via e-mail

FP: I couldn’t agree more, Jan. I think you should write to the PM!