Michael Gove accused of seeking selection in state schools

Secretary of Education is facing a new controversy over claims that private schools that the sectors that could change the ability to choose for students

Michael Gove, the education secretary, is at the center of a new controversy over claims that it intends to allow private schools to continue to select pupils by academic ability if they become the public sector.

Neil Roskilly, executive director of the Independent Schools (ISA), said

Observer

he had been informed of the policy selection was "under review".

The Department of Education denies the allegations, adding a new dimension to the government's determination to encourage the creation of independent schools, which are at arm's length by the local authorities and are able to create their own program. When you press to promote greater choice in the state system last year, Gove told a gathering of like-minded parliamentarians and dignitaries: "My foot is hovering over the pedal, I'll have to see what my co-driver Nick Clegg, has to say. "

Roskilly says he understands that in the plans for independent schools lose their ability to charge fees and have to choose their students in specific watersheds, but their traditional methods of selection could be maintained .

he said. . "What we understand is that independent schools, if they become academies, be allowed to retain their status selective in exactly the same way that high schools This is the parallel to our knowledge, which is the study. It would be a description of exactly where he is. "

A government spokesman insisted that the selection was illegal under current law and that that remains the case. He said: "There is no free classes [] academies academic selection can be used to admit students or charge - whether it's used to be private

"All schools must meet the tough, mandatory school admissions code, which specifically prohibits - .. No. Nothing will change but on this front "

• Roskilly comments have been seized by those who are concerned about Gove's vision for the country's education system. Last week, the
• Observer
• revealed that parents be denied the right to oppose the expansion of grammar schools in a school admissions code established in the new Parliament . Campaigners against academic selection think it could force some schools in a battle for survival that extend grammars for their neighbors with better students.

Francis Gilbert, the Network of local schools, a pressure group to protect the public school system, said any move towards greater selectivity in the public sector could create a "social apartheid". He added: "The problem with the selection is overwhelming evidence showing that students from rich families who are selected Approximately 5% of high school students are on free school meals, while the average in the country is closer to 20%. students. It is similar to social apartheid ".

Stephen Twigg, the shadow Education Secretary, said: "While the Conservative government will allow private schools to become public school, but still the best for the best students , which is worrying news for those who believe in the possibility for all children. seems the government is trying to create a new wave of schools through the back door. "

Roskilly, whose organization represents and provides support to 300 schools to pay a fee, said he thought that only independent schools financially challenged to respond to any offer made by the government. In a survey of members of the ISA, 61.9% of principals indicated it would approve a measure to allow independent schools that move in the public sector to retain the ability to select students.
Over 60% felt that it would or could encourage independent schools to convert, even if other factors play a role. Almost 11% said they would move in the state sector if allowed to continue to select.

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