GRAMMAR SCHOOLS ‘A DISTRACTION’ FROM SOLVING THE CRISES IN EDUCATION

The Government’s plans to introduce new grammar schools are a distraction from the real challenges and crises it has created in the education system, the NASUWT, the largest teachers’ union in the UK, has told TUC Congress today.

Speaking on selection in education at the Congress in Brighton today, NASUWT Deputy General Secretary Dr Patrick Roach, told Congress that the proposals on selection are about extending privilege to a few, rather than tackling the problems of inequality and social exclusion which are blighting the lives of children and young people across the country.

He said:

“It is time for government to commit to the vision and values of comprehensive education that secures equality of opportunity and entitlement for all our children and which is the basis for securing our shared values, inclusion and mutual respect and understanding.

“The Government’s proposals to remove barriers to selection of pupils on the basis of ability, aptitude and religion are a distraction from the real challenges and crises in our education system.

“A crisis of not enough teachers, not enough school places and not enough money, as a consequence of years of public sector cuts and austerity.

“These proposals are a distraction from the failure of this Government to end the scourge of insecure employment and low pay, discrimination, prejudice and hate on the streets, homelessness, the lack of affordable housing and the lack of investment in high quality training, skills and decent jobs which are blighting the lives of children and young people.

“The Government’s proposals on selection are about extending privilege to a few, not about tackling the problems of inequality and social exclusion which blights the lives of many in our country.

“We must demand a better deal for all our children.”