Eleven Plus and a White Paper

There was a Government White Paper in 1958 “Secondary Education For All: A New Drive.” (Sounds familiar?)

The paper contended that since children were different they needed courses that would nourish their individual abilities and interests.

The White Paper felt, however, that that it was wrong for a child’s future to be determined by a selection test at the 11-Plus. The government wanted to experiment with comprehensive education in rural communities – and in selected urban communities.

The major political parties voted against each other – and drew battle lines – just as today.

Today’s parents could look back in their family history and work out who voted for the Eleven Plus – and who was against.