My initial reaction to the ditching of grammar schools by the Conservatives was, I admit, one of dismay.
I have often argued in favour of a grammar-type system and I still believe selection is the best solution to finding the needs of academic and non-academic children. That said, I accept that the very strict cut-off at age eleven that grammar schools impose, is too inflexible and unfair; I put a lot of emphasis in my decisions on fairness (which is why I am against positive discrimination, homes for key workers and the principle of ‘affordable homes’).
But if the party is to focus on the largely Tory city academies then it is a step in the correct direction. Maybe it is too much to hope that flexible grammars could be supported by a major British party, but at least the Tory position is the least worst option on offer.
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