DAVID Olliver (Your Views, July 5) dismisses research showing that selective grammar schools have no advantages, but, once again, provides nothing but his own views for reasons to keep selection.

It is no coincidence that most countries and nearly all UK education authorities have either never had selection or now reject it.

All the evidence (which I am sure he will dismiss) shows that it is not possible to decide the potential of a child by an examination at age 11.

It is not reasonable to divide at that age those who are seen to be suited to apprenticeships or technical college (or, for that matter, to a more academic education).

By doing so, we are denying our children and our country the best use of the abilities we have or can acquire.

We are also dividing society quite unnecessarily, when it is surely better that we learn as children to mix with others of different backgrounds and capabilities.

I do agree with him about the undesirability of private school education for those who can afford it.

It seems patently clear, as evidenced by the present government, that it privileges some individuals who clearly don’t have the capability to hold the positions they do!

Martin Wright

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