Comprehensive Education

EDM number 341 in 2000-01, proposed by Tony Benn on 13/02/2001.

That this House notes that selection by aptitude, ability, race, religion and class is inherently divisive in society; further notes that academic achievement is linked to the social and economic conditions in areas where there is poverty and unemployment; recalls that all the best academic studies of comprehensive schools have shown that the best pupils do as well and the average reach higher standards than in the selective system; believes that only real meaning of choice in education is that every student should have access to schools where the full range of subjects are available; warmly congratulate the teachers who work so conscientiously to raise standards and the local education authorities which support them; expresses its grave disappointment at the Government's decision to introduce more selection in the school system as a result of the announcement on schools policy made by the Secretary of State for Education on Monday 12th February; and invites the Government to commit itself to a fully comprehensive system of education throughout life, which has been the historic commitment of the Labour Party over the last half century and which is essential if a fully educated democracy is to develop fully in this country.

This motion has been signed by a total of 42 MPs.