by René Lavanchy
Schools must admit pupils from a wide range of abilities in order to overcome “the segregation of socio-economic groups in education”, according to a report by a leading educational charity this week.
Teach First says councils could offer funds to disadvantaged pupils or introduce area-wide “banding” to ensure an even spread of abilities.
The report, compiled by speaking to graduate teachers, goes against the Government’s policy of allowing specialist and academy schools to select a percentage of their intake on the basis of aptitude.
“The evidence suggests that a balanced ‘comprehensive’ intake is both a symptom and a cause of a successful school. Therefore a range of initiatives are suggested to counter the segregation of socio-economic groups in education, on the basis that everyone would benefit”, it said.
National Union of Teachers general secretary Christine Blower said: “Evidence shows that streaming and setting can depress expectations of children who find themselves in a bottom set.”
