Introduction

The classic case studies of grammar and secondary modern schools by Lacey and Hargreaves showed the detrimental effects of selection and differentiation between and within schools. Two of the authors of the first report again used local education examination results from a slightly better sample and largely substantiated the earlier results. The authors show that once the comprehensives in Scotland had become established, they contributed to a rise in examination attainment and to a decrease in social class differences in attainment. The authors argued that the comprehensives were failing some pupils because they had not become established comprehensives and had not adjusted to their new clientele. The Paper proposes that all grant-maintained schools should be able to select up to 50 per cent of their pupils by general ability, or by ability or aptitude in particular subjects, without needing central approval.