I CANNOT believe what I have been reading in the letters page about the grammar school issue. It is not an issue. The 11+ exam has been going for decades, I took it 46 years ago. It is not about winners and losers. It is about getting the best school for the child concerned.
Sending a child to a grammar who then struggles is not helping that child. Sending a child to a secondary school who needs to be challenged more does not help that child.
I went to Altrincham Grammar School, as did others who grew up on the same council estate as myself. I knew children who had free school meals. Among those from the council estate was a future GP, some going into accountancy, banks, nursing and many other worthy occupations.
Those going to a secondary school also had the opportunity to go into the same occupations. My husband and both of our sons went to Altrincham Boys Grammar. We never promised them any special treat if they passed the 11+, we told them that the exam was all about finding out which school would best suit them and help them achieve their potential. No winners or losers.
I am sure that Wellington, which is a highly ranked school (and one we were considering), is also fed up of hearing that only losers go there. What rubbish.
You only have to look at the exam results that are achieved to question this ridiculous attitude.
When I read or hear the comments against the 11+ exam, I am nearly screaming that do they not realise that Trafford has very good schools because of grammars.
In Trafford we have Grammars and secondary schools that both achieve very good results. It is all about getting the best education for the child, whether it be at a Grammar or a secondary school.
Julie Hardern Timperley
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