Grammar Schools: Justin Welby is wrong.

The Arch Bishop of Canterbury, Rev Justin Welby claims that “the academic selective approach to education, one which prioritises separation as a necessary precondition for the nurture of excellence, makes a statement about the purpose of education that is contrary to the notion of the common good.”

So, is the Reverend suggesting that the ‘common good’ can only be achieved by a collective common denominator? Is he suggesting that differentiation (as defined in educational parlance) is invalid? The basic nature of education is to evaluate where a child is and provide him/her with the tools to improve. It is unproductive to throw the same tools at all children, knowing that different tools suit different abilities.

The Grammar School approach doesn’t neglect those of lesser ability, because of some “misguided notion of levelling out” as Welby supposes, rather it gives the fullest opportunity to those of all abilities to develop for the benefit of community and mutuality in an environment that is appropriate to those abilities. There is no ‘levelling out’ involved, merely making the best of each person’s aptitudes and abilities.

The Reverend should concentrate his efforts on encouraging excellence in all forms and levels of education; not misapplying his energy to the destruction of one of those levels.