Recently, the Prime Minister unveiled her vision for a truly meritocratic Britain, with reforms to ensure a good school place for every child, whatever their background. While the media focussed on the proposal to remove the ban on extra grammar schools where there is demand for them, the Prime Minister outlined a number of other measures to allow everyone to go as far as their talent and hard work would allow.
Since 2010, the Government has a proud record of school reform. We have opened up the system, introducing a real diversity of provision. We have schools where teachers and head teachers are free to make the decisions that are best for them, such as the outstanding Dene Magna school in Mitcheldean, led by their excellent head teacher, Stephen Brady. As a result, there are more good or outstanding schools today than ever before, so much so that there are 1.4 million more pupils in schools rated good or outstanding than in 2010. But there is still more to do, and the Government has outlined four proposals to improve our education system.
Firstly, building on the success we have already seen when some of our great universities have sponsored or supported a local school. Recent examples include the successful University of Birmingham free school for secondary pupils and sixth formers. Secondly, it is important to remove the obstacles that stop more good faith schools from opening. We should confidently promote our long history of faith schools delivering outstanding education, and lift the limits on the number of pupils they can accept.
Thirdly, independent schools should be encouraged to use their knowledge, expertise and resources to help improve the quality and capacity of schools for those who cannot afford to pay. Finally, the Government wants to relax the restrictions that stop selective schools from expanding or opening up a new selective school. In return, we must ensure that these schools contribute meaningfully to raising outcomes for all pupils in every part of our school system.
There are no proposals to return to the old binary model of grammars and secondary moderns. Instead, the Government is proposing a future in which every child has access to a good school place. You can view and give your opinions on the consultation by visiting: https://consult.education.gov.uk/school-frameworks/schools-that-work-for-everyone