Grammar school U-turn over sixth formers it threw out

Pupils with poor AS results invited to return to studies as ministers issue warning over unlawful policies

LEADING grammar schools which forced out sixth form pupils because of their poor AS level results have told them they can return after ministers warned head teachers that the practice was unlawful. Bourne Grammar school, in Lincolnshire, has written to pupils it barred from entering Year 13, inviting them to re-enlist at the school, after it was told that its conduct could lead to parents taking legal action.

In a letter seen by The Daily Telegraph, headmaster Jonathan Maddox admitted that the school’s policy had been revoked amid fears of a judicial review, adding that all pupils affected may now return to complete studies.

“In recent days there have been press reports regarding a forthcoming legal challenge to the policy at another school on progression from Year 12 to Year 13,” Mr Maddox wrote.

“Whilst the published policy of that school, and its circumstances, are different from our own, it is possible that the outcome of any judicial review … may possibly have a bearing on our policy.

“In the light of this and with the best interests of our students foremost, the chair of governors has agreed that I may suspend our published policy on progression from Year 12 to Year 13 for this year.” The embarrassing U-turn comes days after one of the country’s leading grammars, St Olave’s, in Orpington, south-east London, was forced to review its “progression policy” pending legal action from parents.

Meanwhile, Aylesbury Grammar and the Royal Grammar School High Wycombe, based in Buckinghamshire, are also believed to have similar policies in place.

Documents available on all the schools’ websites state that students must achieve “three D grades” in order to progress to Year 13. A number of grammars in Kent are also believed to have operated the policy in recent years.

The policies are in direct contravention of guidance from the Department for Education, which warns schools that they are prohibited from excluding students on their “academic ability” once they have entered sixth form.

The disclosures have prompted concern among government ministers. Last night Robert Halfon, the chairman of the Commons education select committee, called on the Government to launch an investigation as he warned schools that they “cannot play the system” in order to improve their league table results.

“It is deeply concerning that other schools are denying young people the opportunity to climb up the education ladder in order to skew exam results. It is absolutely unacceptable,” he added.

Bourne Grammar refused to comment. Royal Grammar School High Wycombe and Aylesbury Grammar were unavailable last night.