I HAD the good fortune to speak to our MP Neil Carmichael at Frampton Show.

I had noted that he has been appointed in some new government post to do with extending the use of grammar schools. So I thought I would put my ten pen’orth in, so to speak, it went something like this:...

I was around to take the 11+, almost 50 years ago.

When I passed the test, my parents were asked what school I should be sent to.

Against my wishes, I was sent to a grammar school, when what I really wanted to do was go to a technical school, because I wanted to be “an engineer, not a banker”.

I suppose, at this point I should explain to those who weren’t around in the day, that there was in fact, more than a choice of grammar or secondary modern.

There was also the technical school system, not to be confused with technical college.

If you passed your 11+ exam, you could go to grammar, technical, or secondary modern schools.

If you scored low, you had no alternative to the secondary modern, but you could sit the test again at 13.

When we moved house, and came to Stroud, which we had left when I was eight8, my old man told me I could pick my own school.

I didn’t want to go to Marling, as already stated, so I opted instead for the technical school in Beards Lane.

This was a great little school that put great emphasis on metalwork, woodwork, and technical drawing.

Vocational education, for those that wish to work with their hands, as well as their heads.

Youngsters thrive when shown how things work before they become convinced that if you can’t use a keyboard you are on the scrap heap.

My point is, these are the schools we need.

Problem solving using material things. Learning how to read and create technical drawings.

Making ash trays may not be very politically correct nowadays but something else like a candle holder, mounted on a wooden stand would be great practice.

Learning how to operate a lathe, taking an engine apart and seeing how it works.

You still get to study all the other subjects. Technical schools are sadly missed, and should be brought back.

One more thing. Much emphasis is put on the fact that by going to grammar school you get a better education, implying that the standard of teaching is higher.

Not true.

Grammar schools run a more demanding curriculum.

Some children just don’t want that but those who do will obviously excel.

It doesn’t mean that one thing is “better” than the other, just better suited to some more than others.

Put a child into an environment where he or she does not wish to be and you will cause irreparable harm. I know first hand but I got there in the end, thankfully.

Bryan Billau

Stroud