As education organisations representing hundreds of thousands of teachers, support staff, governors and other education professionals, we are united in opposing the government’s plans for expanding selection. It’s clear that most children will lose out in a selective system and most non-grammar schools will find it even harder to recruit. Alarmingly, the green paper does not contain a single word about children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Comprehensive schools have demonstrated that it is possible to provide high-quality, inclusive education for all children, with 86% of state-funded schools currently rated good or outstanding. A return to selection puts this progress at risk. We call on the government to focus on funding, recruitment and an assessment system that works. And to directly address the poverty and inequality that many children face. Only then can we truly deliver schools that work for everyone.
Mary Bousted, General secretary, ATL
Kevin Courtney, General secretary, NUT
Kate Fallon, General secretary, AEP
Russell Hobby, General secretary, NAHT
Dave Prentis, General secretary, Unison
Tim Roache, General secretary, GMB
Emma Knights, Chief executive, National Governors’ Association
Henry Stewart, founding member, Local Schools Network
• Join the debate – email guardian.letters@theguardian.com
