If only grammar had been open about its policy
It’s been a long time coming but the ombudsman has finally ruled a Maidstone grammar school was unlawful in using a sixthform admissions system without publicising it.
It was Maidstone Grammar School for Girls that fell foul of the government’s rules and were made to apologise and pay compensation, but many parents reading this might have thought it was any of the town’s four grammars.
While others have avoided controversy, it is no secret that admissions policies have been becoming stricter in recent years.
Is it any wonder, though, this trend corresponds with increasingly rigorous scrutiny from central government and that schools and academies are becoming more like businesses than education institutions.
It makes complete sense therefore that schools are looking to attract the best young minds – ‘cherry picking’ if you like. That’s not to say it’s right.
It’s certainly wrong to be anything other than completely transparent with young people who already face a daunting battle throughout their school careers. Students may be forgiven for thinking they’ve entered employment early, as workers in exam factories.
What MGGS did was wrong, because it was giving false hope. Why it wasn’t clear on its policy – which was completely legal – is anyone’s guess.
There was other big education news this week. Kent Police announced it was going to crack down on parents parking in restricted areas to drop off and pick up their children.
Unlike most recent education news this makes complete sense and should be welcomed. What’s wrong with a good old fashioned walk?