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The evidence is against selection

Government policy
England is facing a return to grammar schools and selective education. The prime minister argues this will boost social mobility. Dr Deborah Robinson says the evidence shows that such claims are disingenuous

Education secretary Justine Greening has taken up the remit – set in motion by prime minister Teresa May – to expand selective schools at 11-plus, claiming that this strategy will improve every child’s chances.

A more selective system, it is alleged, will help the education system to develop as a genuine meritocracy. If you work hard and are bright enough you can move up in the world in spite of disadvantages.

To say that such claims are disingenuous is an understatement.

The suggestion that a more selective system improves social mobility is not supported by the facts and, in this area, the evidence is clear.

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