The sheer gulf in standards between state and independent schools is holding back social mobility and damaging the economy, according to the Deputy Prime Minister.
He said children educated in the private sector were three times more likely to achieve at least two As and B at A-level – the entry requirement for many top research universities – than pupils in state schools.
The gap in results between different school types is wider in Britain than almost any other developed country, it was revealed.
The comments were made as he prepared to launch a new drive designed to boost standards among poor children. » | Graeme Paton, Education Editor | Sunday, May 20, 2012
My comment:
First of all, they need to bring back the grammar school. Grammar schools gave children the chance of social mobility. Many children from grammar schools went on to Oxbridge, and many fine red brick universities.
Secondly, if Mr. Clegg really wants to ensure social mobility, the dumbing down of education has to stop. So, too, must grade inflation. Children need a rigorous and challenging examination system, not one driven by league tables and ever-increasing and 'wonderful' grades. Bring back the marking system which ensured that only the best achieved 'A' grades, some achieved very good, but reasonable exam results, and others failed. It's no use passing everyone with flying colours: results then come to mean nothing in the end.
Then, we should follow the Swiss system. In Switzerland, state schools are so good, and schools so well-funded that few Swiss people even want to attend the many prestigious private institutions there are in the country. There is no need for them to do so – the state system is so good. – G Mark
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