Do Grammar Schools still promote social mobility?

Grammar schools used to be about promoting social mobility. Is that still true?

For an 11-year old, turning up to the 11-plus exam and doing their best is simply not going to be good enough when they are competing against children who have had years of preparation. Therefore, those who will get the Grammar School places are those who can afford the preparation. Those who cannot afford tutoring are unlikely to succeed with the test. In the current circumstances, social mobility is being destroyed by the 11-plus.

My daughters attend a number of clubs throughout the week. All of them include children that need to ‘dash off’ because the tutor is on the way, or parents explain how much they are paying each month for four one-hour sessions to help prepare for the 11-plus. Grammar schools were created to allow children with academic potential access specialist schooling irrespective of their social or economical situation. All of this extra tuition simply creates an imbalance for some children.

The Pass Masters are trying to change that - I can’t stop others using tutors, but I can help those who can’t afford usual tutoring. I’m a highly experienced and successful teacher in a secondary school. Join me, throughout Year 4 - 3 sessions a week. I’ve designed a curriculum based on my experience in education - understanding how children learn - and my experience of supporting my daughter with her 11-plus preparation.