Should Kent's grammar school system be restricted to Kent pupils only? Should pupils from neighbouring counties be allowed to take up school spaces and should schools like Judd and Skinners be allowed to select from non-local children?

Hi Holly, the problem at the moment is that those schools mentioned tend to select from those they deem to be the highest exam achievers from whereever, in order to remain creme de le creme performers in terms of league tables and attractiveness to parents. If selection was based more locally on a geographical criteria, then that would certainly help, but also Tunbridge Wells schools have traditionally taken in pupils from Crowborough and just over the Sussex border, which should really continue. Of course, they may instead choose to opt out and become free schools if they are unhappy.
I am also concerned however about social exclusivity. There is ample statistical evidence it has become much harder for pupils from a working class background to get into Kent's grammar schools. This has become worse with cramming etc for 11 plus exams and beyond for universities.
Long gone are the days when bright council estate boys like me could be picked up and promoted by the system unfortunately.
We need to ensure that our schools are enhanced as engines of social mobility and not merely geared to replicating existing elitist structures and societal barriers. To do this we also need to revive technical schools which give an emphasis to skills suited to the apprenticeship scheme, which served as a way into work traditionally for many young people, sadly no longer alas.

Yes, some schools have already recognised it as a problem and others actively do try and give some places to deserving boys and girls from poorer backgrounds. But the system is increasingly stacked against them, given the number of hurdles they now have to cross. I was also lucky that we had books at home and fortunate to have interested parents, although they were worried about paying for uniforms etc. Now the school trips cost an arm and a leg!