HC Deb 20 December 1955 vol 547 cc1821-3
13. Mr. Hannan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is satisfied that the present system of segregating children into different schools at the age of 11 is in the best interests of education; and if he will consider a change in this system.

Mr. J. Stuart

I am satisfied that the present system of allocating pupils at about 12 years of age to the particular secondary courses from which each seems likely to derive most benefit is sound in principle. The question whether the various secondary courses should be provided all in one school or in different schools should, I consider, continue to be decided by each education authority in the light of the particular local circumstances.

Mr. Hannan

I have a later Question upon the second point to which the right hon. Gentleman referred. Has he had regard to the 1948 Report of the Advisory Council on Education in Scotland, of which, I think, one of the Joint Under-Secretaries was a signatory, which expresses the opposite view from that which the right hon. Gentleman has now expressed? Will he examine the matter again, as many authorities are of the opinion that the best interests of education, on either educational or social grounds, are not being served by the segregation of children at 11?

Mr. Stuart

As I said in this House a year ago less one day, I think that the right course is to allow the local authorities, who best know their needs, to have some say in the matter.

14. Mr. Hannan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the resentment of many parents about the present method of promotion test selection of children proceeding from primary to secondary schools; and what right of appeal under his regulations parents have against such decisions.

Mr. J. Stuart

I am not aware of any widespread resentment about the promotion procedure, although some parents are naturally disappointed because their children are not considered capable of taking the secondary course they desire. A parent who is dissatisfied with a decision of an education authority that his child does not show reasonable promise of profiting from a particular course has a right to appeal to the Secretary of State.

Mr. Hannan

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what steps he is taking to inform parents of their rights? Might I put it to him that the resentment is widespread, and having earned the widespread resentment of the parents in this matter and the widespread resentment of the teachers about superannuation, cannot the right hon. Gentleman do something to rouse the ire of the children and thus finish the job?

Mr. Stuart

I hope not, Sir. The views of the teachers are, of course, taken into account, and so are the wishes of parents. I think the parents do know their rights because their wishes are often expressed and they are always considered. In all borderline cases or cases of doubt, the wishes of parents prevail.

15. Mr. Hannan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many education authorities have consulted him about a modification of the present promotion test selection of children proceeding from primary to secondary schools; and with what result.

Mr. J. Stuart

Six education authorities have proposed modifications in the promotion procedure. In two oases I have approved major modifications covering all schools in the area; in one case a major modification is being applied to a few selected schools on an experimental basis; and in three cases minor modifications have been approved.

Mr. Rankin

Has the right hon. Gentleman had any proposal from the Glasgow Education Authority through Glasgow Corporation? If he has not, when he does receive it, will he give it very sympathetic consideration?

Mr. Stuart

In 1954 it was agreed that Glasgow might conduct a limited experiment covering four comprehensive secondary schools and the primary schools which feed them.

Mr. Woodburn

Can the right hon. Gentleman make information available to the House about many of the experiments which are being conducted, such as in Edinburgh, where, we understand, some very successful experiments in the promotion system and the school system generally are being conducted? It would be interesting if hon. Members could at some time in the coming year have a report on the subject.

Mr. Stuart

I will certainly consider that suggestion.