Comprehensive education works

We would make the point that this is a consultation regarding primary schools in Warwick and does not include secondary education and that, as an academy, Myton School controls its own admissions. We would also make the point that we have no intention of undertaking a review with the county council along the lines of the one being undertaken in the primary sector although we contribute to the consultation.

Whilst writing I would like to use this opportunity to highlight some of the major errors being promoted by the current education secretary, Michael Gove, regarding state schools.

In contrast to Mr Gove’s simplistic characterisation of comprehensive schools, I would suggest he needs to look at the facts. In terms of our successful learning community we are a very successful, popular, multicultural comprehensive school with 95 per cent of students gaining at least 5 A*-C grades at GCSE each year; nearly a third of our students leaving with at least five A* and A grades; record numbers of students gaining four levels of progress from Key Stage 2-Key Stage 4 and outstanding A-Level results. We are a fully inclusive school and reflect the character of our community.

As for Mr Gove’s comments on extracurricular activities, over the last two weeks we have had: Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions; a Year 13 visit to the National Theatre; Year 9 students training with Leicester Tigers for a day; Year 13 undertaking a field trip to Dorset; a trip to Auschwitz in Poland; a Year 8/9 Ice Skating trip; a wide range of sporting activities; Creative and Performing Arts Clubs; Technology Clubs; and during half term almost 200 Year 7 students will take part in a PGL residential adventure and there is a trip to Iceland for students.

Comprehensive education works, research from the DfE and Sutton Trust tells us, and should tell Mr Gove, that students from good comprehensive school sixth forms do at least as well in terms of degree level as students from selective or private/commercial schools.

Perhaps Mr Gove should spend more time visiting and talking to successful schools. The area of central Warwickshire has successful comprehensive schools who are doing a great job.

Chair of Governors, Myton School