Firstly, let me congratulate every student who has achieved what they need in their GCSE results today – and to those that haven’t do not feel too disheartened; many opportunities await you in your life. Much has been made about these new ‘tougher’ GCSEs but as far as I can see they still fulfil a…
Further evidence of the demand for grammar school places has been revealed in newly released government data. It shows there are 11,000 more grammar school pupils in England now than there were in 2010. And if the current rate of growth continues, the equivalent of 24 extra grammar schools will have been added by 2021…
Last week, the government’s chosen new social mobility chief, Dame Martina Milburn, made a pronouncement I totally concur with – we do not need a nation of Oxford degrees. For many years I have said that successive governments have put far too much emphasis on the academic route of life. It is a fact that…
As Year 6 children up and down the country sit for their Key Stage 2 SATs this week, the question of whether we’re putting too much stress on 11 year-olds continues. Testing is crucial if we’re to measure a child’s progress and ensure they are helped to improve and be the best they can be.…
If you’re a regular reader of my blogs you will not be surprised to learn that I very much welcome the government’s investment in expanding the number of grammar school places. You’ll also not be surprised to learn that I think this is only a step in the right direction. For those that decry that…