Thank you; that is entirely clear, and I realize I knew much of this (including the term "comprehensive school" though not "comprehensive system") now that I've been given clearer context. It was the word "still" in the final paragraph of the post which made me think that the systems were different names for the same thing.
The 11+ exam is one of those things that sound good theoretically. Giving students the kind of education best suited for their own character and abilities: what could be wrong with that? What's wrong with it is the gaping hole between the resulting educational tracks, the practical irreversiblity of the decision, basing it on a single set of exams, and making the life-setting course at such a young age.
I do suspect, though, that it was an improvement on the previous system, in which educational tracking was based on the wealth or social status of the student's parents. (Except perhaps in Scotland, which might account for the brilliant academic careers of a lot of poor Scots.)
no subject
The 11+ exam is one of those things that sound good theoretically. Giving students the kind of education best suited for their own character and abilities: what could be wrong with that? What's wrong with it is the gaping hole between the resulting educational tracks, the practical irreversiblity of the decision, basing it on a single set of exams, and making the life-setting course at such a young age.
I do suspect, though, that it was an improvement on the previous system, in which educational tracking was based on the wealth or social status of the student's parents. (Except perhaps in Scotland, which might account for the brilliant academic careers of a lot of poor Scots.)