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Voluntary Grammar Schools

Volume 951: debated on Tuesday 6 June 1978

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asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) if he will list those powers and sanctions which he has in respect of voluntary grammar schools, the governing bodies of which refuse to change the character of their school in order to assist in the introduction of comprehensive education;(2) if he will list those powers and sanctions he has towards education and library boards which refuse to introduce comprehensive education.

The Government have announced their decision that selection by perceived ability at 11-plus should be eliminated and have invited education and library boards to initiate the necessary planning in consultation with local people and schools. They have consistently made it clear that they wish to see progress by evolution and that they are not planning to impose a single uniform system from the centre. The Government believe that with co-operation and good will on all sides this can and will be achieved, so that the question of powers and sanctions to impose change does not arise.