Berkshire parents are taking a stand against the chronic unfairness of the grammar school system. Local parents are forcing a ballot in the Reading area of Berkshire -- using legislation set up under the Labour government -- to see whether the local community actually wants grammar schools in their area. Since very few local children go to the schools, it appears that these schools will lose the ballot and be forced to lose their grammar school status. Last night it was confirmed that a group of parents in Berkshire had begun the process of forcing a vote on the future of the Reading School and the town’s other grammar, Kendrick School for girls
Today's
Daily Mail presents these parents' arguments in a negative light, but even the Mail's biased reporting can't hide the fact that these parents have a very good point: the two grammar schools in their area,
Reading School and
Kendrick School, are both highly selective state schools which do not admit many children from the local area. Reading School, a state-boarding school and grammar school, is clearly full of children from more privileged backgrounds, with the latest data on it showing that it admits just 0.5% of pupils on Free School Meals (FSM), compared with the national average of 20% pupils on FSM. Kendrick School admits just 0.4% of pupils on FSM. Have a look at the school's websites and you'll see that they are essentially state-funded "public schools".
One way that the schools could take more control over their destinies would be to become Academies but this could mean that they'll only be able to select 10% of pupils who have a particular aptitude in a subject they specialise in; obviously, not enough selection for these highly selective schools.
Kendrick School clearly have the best "PR", publishing
this leaflet urging parents to vote "No" in the vote: it has the highest Google rating on the subject. Meanwhile, the 11+ chatrooms are buzzing with chatter about the subject, which can be found
here. I'm finding it difficult to find many details from the protesting parents, but will follow this up in due course.
Comments
okay so JMA takes double the Reading average. and Reading and Kendrick take far below the Reading average. This still isn't social apartheid, because no-one is forcing these people to be seperated. they have an opportunity to get into grammar schools, and their families and schools should be doing more to ensure that the brightest pupils get in.
Our school writes its own entrance exam each year which is different!
That comment was mainly aimed at rg4mum ^
The following article in the Guardian – Oct 2009, which I mentioned in an earlier post, highlights the lengths parents will go to in order to tutor their children with experts estimating that the 11-plus private tutoring industry is "worth hundreds of millions of pounds” (http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2009/oct/11/grammar-schools-tuition-...).
In which case I apologise if you took offence, I just thought I'd clear it up from some of the earlier comments.
Why should those who legitimately NEED a more advanced education suffer for the likes of the few individuals who aim to scupper the system? Why should we take away opportunities from those who have a right to them?
I, like another person in this discussion, attended a comprehensive school for years 7-11 and now study at Reading School. Making the move to Reading was the best decision for my education that I have ever made and I expect to achieve far higher grades at the end of my time here than I would have done at my previous school despite. To suggest closing the schools is absurd and to suggest that it is a free public education even more so. Admittedly a number of students at Reading could have attained a public education elsewhere had they wanted one but there are just as many who could not have done. The 11+ entrance test is by no means perfect because it doesn't have the ability to decide who is the most in need of such an education however what it does do is pick those who will produce the best outcome from the years they experience at a grammar school. Yes, some people could afford that level of education elsewhere however if one were to remove the grammar school status of the two then nobody who would benefit from such an education is worth it. The real problem here is that people can't see that providing for the more able students in society will always have it's flaws but to not do so would only see the overall standard of education in the region drop. Consider that we do close down Reading School and Kendrick School, what is likely to happen? Public school students in the region will go on to attain a higher percentage university places than the current level. Then again we will hear how the government does not provide good enough education. The system we have in the local area is the best one currently possible and to stop it would be a betrayal of all those students who would never be able to achieve their potential without it.
Don't suppose you could use a different name so we don't get mixed up?
The simple fact is that both me and my sister got in through intelligence only. We did not buy our way in.
And theres no way either of us would've achieved the grades we got (10 A*s for her and 8 A*s and 3 As for me) if we had gone to our local comprehensive school instead.
And while I'll admit there are certainly poorer families out there, my sister qualified for full EMA and I only missed out on getting it by a couple of months when my mum got a better job - so I certainly wasn't a student from a privileged background for most of my school life
So we exist as two perfect examples of how the grammar school system has succeeded in bringing out the potential of two students from a less privileged background. To say the system that did this for us is needs removing is truly ludicrous and is one of the most narrow-minded things I've heard in years.
okay, I've just had a master plan. Lets get rid of all the good universities, and then all the universities, apart from UWL. Then expand that, and call it the University of England. Drive all the Oxbridge lecturers overseas, and all the other lecturers, so only the ones of UWL standard remain. That should be fair...
I mean, really, Oxford and Cambridge only promote discrimination. So lets just get rid of them.
Can we bring this arguement back to the real world instead of the sarcastic comments? I think these parents get the point now and hopefully they will open their eyes and see that selective education is good and would be naive and short sighted to get rid of.
Stop trying to make our schools non-selective! You say it's "unfair" for our schools to be selective; it would be unfair to make the more intelligent youth be given a worse education than they could get. If there were no comprehensive schools, FAR less people would go to University. Naturally intelligent people should get the education they deserve - which they earnt by getting into grammar schools.
Can I just point out the underlying assumption that not qualifying for free school meals implies an ability to afford public education. I would fit into neither of these categories. So clearly Reading is the best option for me. Can I also point out that those kids who can't afford to have a private education but do not attain a grammar school education generally do attain good grades, these are the people who are intelligent and will do only marginally worse so actually do not lose out too much. Those who can't afford private education AND who do badly at comprehensives are simply not smart enough or to not have the right attitude. The likelihood is that even given a higher level of education they would not prosper because they would either lack the ability or the desire to utilise the chance given to them.
I agree that there is a difference in wealth between the selective and non selective schools; this has multiple reasons, none of which is that the schools are unfair. One example is that richer families would rather send their children privately than to a comprehensive school, but would be happy to send their children to a selective school. Also the people who actually apply to the school may be the ones who come from more affluent families; or families who are more deprived are less confident about putting their child through the experience of the selective process. I could go on, but I wont.
Whilst on the topic of school meals, Reading school doesn't actually have a canteen in which to serve food, this is largely part due to very poor funding. Most children have packed lunches, others buy food on site, it would be mad to suggest that the school could support 20% FSM, as it only has enough catering facilities for the boarders, and a minority of pupils who can buy a very limited range of food from the tuck shop. Furthermore the eating venues are classrooms, and some outdoor benches. It would be unfair on both the school and pupils if an influx of people were to demand and rely on a service, which is unable to be facilitated and would be inadequate.
Very true Tom. Good to highlight that our schools facilities are already over stretched and as mentioned, we don't even have a dining room!
WE WANT A REFECTORY!!!!!
Schools such as Reading and Kendrick offer excellent standards of teaching- such standards which will not be met if less intelligent, more disruptive pupils are allowed admission. This increased quality of education in the long run improves skills amongst pupils and allows them to follow paths that may not have been so accessible if they were to attend a 'one size fits all' secondary school.
It just seems a real shame that schools such as reading, which has been an established part of the town for almost 900 years, is now being threatened by narrow minded 'journalists' like you. I highly doubt you were ever a pupil at a selective school and saw the standards they offered as do I doubt that you have much knowledge of either of the schools in question. Ofcourse you can point to a misleading figure of FSM to suggest that many pupils are from a more wealthy background but if you want to use stats and figures you can also note that both schools consistently beform in the top 10% for GCSE, AS level and A2 level results- something which would not be the case if you had the way. Bigoted liberals like you disgust me, your lot just move from problem to problem jumping on each one desperate to commentate on the problems of social inequality and higher classes. You're attempts to be a 'journalist' are pathetic with criticising the 'PR' of the schools when really all they are trying to do is protect themselves. And by emailing the head teachers for both schools as though you're doing good for the community? Trust me there's more people against these plans than for them and idiots like you are just causing upset and problems...
I hate to break it to them but:
'Life ain't fair I'm afraid'
How about 10 of us at reading school start a petition to put down this petition?
As I found out the hard way coming 297/440 in the 11+ exam FROM A PRIVATE SCHOOL and managed to pass in year 9 FROM A STATE SCHOOL so it goes to show from my experiance that they take more from the lower social classes as well.
As a local parent I think it is disgusting that Reading school insist on selecting it's pupils from a clearly priveliged background. Many of the comments made on here by the schoolboys themselves I assume reflect the ignorance of many of these rich schoolboys who do not understand the social issues of the area. The school clearly has alot of money as it can afford such buildings and I very much doubt that much of the teaching there is 'free'- I wouldn't be suprised is behind the scenes they had some sort of private education scheme going on! I say we clear the school of all these posh schoolboys now and take it under the flag of the local community! These rich boys can go back to their homes and be educated there for all I care- we don't want them! I grew up in similar circumstances with my parents not being able to afford to send me to the local high school in Kenya. Thankfully I moved to the UK and benefitted from the non-selective secondary school system, and this is what everyone else should benefit from!
As a high achieving school, it doesn't qualify for most of the funding given to other schools.
It is for this reason that it applies for so many specialist school awards, as can be seen on the website.
I know you may think I have a tinted view of things, as I am an old Readingensian myself, but these are the facts.
I think it is discusting that people accuse the school of being involved in underhand tactics and, i quote, "behind the scenes [Reading School] had some sort of private education scheme going on". This is a lie and can be considered libelous so I think yoyu should be ashamed of yourself Olussu.
Reading School doesnt take pupils based on their parents bank ballance but on the pupils intelligence, and that alone. There were at least 2 people in my year alone that would openly admit to having two parents both on the dole.
The school itself has very little money and the reason it has such nice buildings is from private donations it recieved over 150 years ago.
It makes me sick to think that people are willing to destroy the bery basis of our 886 year old school, one of the oldest in the country, simply because a few disgruntled parents are upset that their child/children were not smart enough to pass the exam. The scool offeres some excelent teaching, but most of the success comes from the boys being in the highly competative environment and pushing eachother to improve. If the school let in even 2 people per class that didnt have this same motivation, the qhole dynamic of the school will fail and grades will soon slip and this school that people work so hard to get into, will no longer carry the same appeal.
That is the biggest amount of rubbish I have ever heard.
"The school clearly has alot of money" No. It received less than other local schools until it became an academy.
"I wouldn’t be suprised is behind the scenes they had some sort of private education scheme going on!" What, like teaching the children :0 Wow I guess no other school teachs either, they all just do it hidden from view...
You just sound like a bitter parent who had a child who was not intelligent enough to get into Reading School and rather than admit you could have done more to help your child you blame it on the system.
As a former student I am certainly not from a priveliged background and went to comprehensive schools before reading school.
To me this all seems like a case of sour grapes, were youre children not intelligent enough to pass the entrance exam?
i would love to hear the foundation of your arguement and why you feel so strongly against selective education
You are definitely, definitely mistaken. The 'posh schoolboys' you talk about definitely do not go to Reading School. The school does not select people from a 'privileged background'. All the boys take the same test and there is definitely no selection by income or assets. They are selected by intelligence and potential. It is a grammar school. Grammar schools were put in place to help the disadvantaged so to describe your history as having been unable to afford to go to school, is just a little hypocritical. Or is it just a severe case of bitterness and a certain inability to move on and let go? Both pupils at Reading and Kendrick are extremely hard working and their achievements are down to this and their teachers' dedication. They hardly walk around in uniform worth thousands of pounds. Your argument sounds as if it is based completely on hearsay. Perhaps taking a trip around the schools could change your ideas.
Is this a joke?
Now to the main issue: "[you] benefited from a non-selective school system"... no you didn't. A selective system ensures the bright students are pushed harder than all others, and given the education system they deserve. The lesser-ability students are not made to look stupid in front of people of higher ability, because those people would be in Grammar schools. The school specialises in teaching those of less intelligence; the higher intelligence people are taught to THEIR ability. Equalising the two teaching standards will mean the end result is worse: the non-intelligent people won't understand the middle-range curriculum; the intelligent people will find it too easy, and get bored.
And finally: you haven't got a clue, and are being mislead by this - quite frankly - stupid article about the type of people who get into this school. You literally don't know anything, yet you say that we are all rich! OUR SCHOOL REFLECTS ON ACADEMIC ABILITY - NOT THE SITUATION WE WERE BORN INTO!
WE DON'T HAVE A LOT OF MONEY!!! Our school receives the lowest amount per student in Berkshire! This is offset by us specialising.
So, in short, I am disgusted by the way you rashly assume sso many things: we do not have much money; we do NOT select pupils based on their background; we are not ignorant (and I find this comment very ironic, because it is clear that YOU are the ignorant one in this situation); we cannot afford 'such buildings'... I'm sorry? The buildings have been the school's property since the 11th century... ; there is no priate education scheme going on - your stupidity is really showing here! ; we are not all 'posh' - it is obvious now that you are just speculation, and haven't got a clue what you're talking about, and have as much knowledge on this matter than a baby ; I am amazed that you think you speak for the whole communtity: you blatantly have no information on this topic, you clearly don't know anything beyond what you have been brainwashed into thinking. And I find it INCREDIBLY ironic that you are telling us to go home and be educated there when you come from Kenya, and have experienced what it is like to be socially excluded... yet that is what you are trying to do by dismissing the most intelligent of our future society...
Ollusu Muntagi - stop talking bullshit! Come and look at our school. It might look impressive at the front but the good points about the building stop there
Amazing - agree with you completely. You have written exactly what I was thinking! Mr Muntagi with some completely unfounded Daily Mail-esque accusations. He is just sour cos his child wasn't clever enough!
To clarify a couple of things... Firstly, Reading IS an academy. Secondly Early St Peters is a feeder school as well. Thirdly, the selection process is just that... selective, it means that those who are more gifted in the area can reach their full potential which I am proof of after getting in with no tuition, not coming from a privileged background and coming from within Reading. And lets all be honest here, none of you would be arguing against it if your kids got in.
Look Jan you clearly don't understand the issue. My son is disperate for a place at a decint school due to the changes in catchment areas. Grammar Schools are unneccessary and only favour rich over privilaged children, honest average hard working people like me and my children deserve a good education and intigent people don't deserve better than us. Everyone should go to the same quality of school and get the same opportunities, your just limiting my childrens future. Grammar Schools bread snobs and the schools like that don't benefit average people. Grammar Schools are basically private schools but the rich parents don't have to pay. I trust Francis he know's what he is talking about and these schools have got to go!
Dave, I do not understand where your view that 'Grammar Schools are unneccessary and only favour rich over privilaged children' comes from, however I disagree. Money has nothing to do with the selection process and the majority of the children come from state schools. Surely if anything you are against Private Education as this does require financial support from the family and the more privileged in society are able to fund the education. I do agree however that everyone deserves a good education, however the fact that your child future is limited by the fact that they did not get into the grammar school, yet your argument to fix this is to rid of grammar schools is hypocritical and it is evident that your whole argument is because you are bitter..
Grammar schools were meant to provide good education for everyone, on the term that they could get in. Everyone should deserve a good education, yes, but if you can't get in, you can't get in. The majority of people who go to the schools get in from their own effort, the minority are from private schools or had tuition. I think taking out your anger on the schools ruins chances for other bright children and perhaps you should think about that before you vote yes.
It is a by-product of poor social management and lack of education provision, that the more 'intellectually capable' (I hate that) tend to be the more economically privileged. It is utter rubbish that the grammar school/selective system favours richer people; it doesn't, it's just that those who are cleverer tend to be richer, unfortunately.
"The rich stay rich, the poor stay poor." - It's a fact that economic deprivation leads to social deprivation.
Your son wants a decent school. Grammar schools are the most 'decent' schools around, and they are available to anyone who can pass the necessary exams. Anyone. Grammar schools are not 'private schools but the rich parents don't have to pay'. They are private schools for people whose parents CAN'T pay. Besides, your son wants grammar schools to be non-selective so that he can get in? Once you've taken out the selection process, the school is no longer good. The benefit that you were originally searching for would be lost.
You don't know what you are talking about. You are just making accusations cos you're son wasn't clever enuff
Why dont you make your children practice really hard like most of us did and try the test?!
Saying intelligent people are not deserving of a better education is in itself such a small-minded, selfish comment that I can't see how you can carry on slating students for being selfish and small-minded. How do you think that intelligent people truely reach the best of their abilities, languishing with less-intelligent students, being bogged down as concepts they grasped lessons ago are being run over for the other childrens benefit yet again? Saying that the average person need more support than they are getting is complete rubbish. How many other schools can your son choose from? Compare that to the options for an intelligent child if his family can't, like mine, afford to pay for private school. The reason these schools were first made was to give intelligent children from less privilaged backgrounds a chance of a high-level of education.
But for now, i just want to say-
Floreat Redingensis.
I don't like 'H', put your real name, typical grammar school trick to try and hide away from the flack when you know you are wrong.
And Dave is so much better
DOB: 5.3.91
Birthplace: Wiltshire
Height: 5'9, Weight 75kg
Email: h_s_rathan@hotmail.com
Please Dave, feel free to contact me or visit me, so that i can have a face to face debate on this matter with you.
I am a student of reading school, and with a household income of around £7,000 a year, do not consIder my background as "privileged". Others who live along my street, of a similar age do not go tO school and are mostly unemployed, so from my social and economic background you can probably tell that not much was expected of me. The fact that you refer to grammar schools as being chronically unfair and bein accountable for a socio-economic " apartheid" is absurd, and is quite frankly an insult to me and my peers. At no point in my life at reading school have I been singled out for being poorer, nor have I taken my position at a grammar school as a privilege, nor as a reason to ignore those in the local area. I have done volunteer work in and around my local area, and have helped raise money for pancreatic cancer uk, and I believe that the morals instilled in me at reading school have encouraged me to do so. Although I doubt this will make any difference to your narrow-minded views, I do believe that reading school has a place in our community, and if anything, more grammar schools should be introduced to the uk, as they , in my view present the solution to the problem as the so called "apartheid" by giving those who are less fortunate, such as me, a chance to have a better education, rather than allowing only those who can afford it ( through private education). And the fact that you target grammar school closure as oppose tomprivate school closure promotes the use of private education, that actually will cause socio-economic division.
As to your belief that the school must have a huge amount of funding to own such large and grand buildings is absurd. The school has been here for 900 years! They're are also listed so nothing can or has been done to them to too great an extent. The school has survived on government funding similar to that of public schools, and is now being cut back as our school is considered to be doing well enough. There is no money coming in from parents or students and the school has to raise its own money for projects such as the cantine.
Academy schools are privatly owned and funded schools which gives free education, RS is state funded and is Not an academy.
Also, I dont think you can say that hiding your name is a grammar school tactic, I think it is something that people do regardless of their background.
I would finally like to reiterate the point that 'Dawesy' made that alot of RS boys put alot back into the community, something that pupils from other schools dont always do.
Floreat Redingensis.
It is an academy, but a different type of academy to the JM. I can assure you of this.
Yea matt sorry forgot to tell you, we became an academy a few weeks ago so we could better control the funding better but were a different sort of academy to JMA
The school has only recently (relative to 900 years) become a grammar school. Get your facts up and get them right. Don't pretend it has always been one, this is so typical of agrogant school kids from grammar schools. So now you cant pretend it has always been that way. And how dare you call me wrong, I am your elder and better and you should respect me. And Dawsey isn't a real name, what's your real name, stop coming from out of town and taking our school places.
It became a grammar school in 1486, when it was reopened by Henry VII.
Were also not taking your school places, we earned them through our intelligence that got us through the tests, and we are not 'posh snobs', as you say, which you would know if you'd ever visited.
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