Walthamstow Guardian; Two-Tier Education Decision May, 1966

THE first positive step towards the introduction of a comprehensive education two-tier system was taken this week as Chief Education Officer Dr Wilfred Stephens began preparing a detailed scheme for submission to Secretary of State for Education Mr Anthony Crosland.
The new system may be introduced in September of next year. But, if physical difficulties make this impossible, the major reconstruction of the secondary schools set-up will take place in 1968.
Greatest virtue of the scheme now being drafted is that it will make use of existing secondary school buildings with the exception of Mark House and George Gascoigne Schools, due to close at the end of this term.
Main fallout of the scheme, this is acknowledged by the scheme's supporters, is the demise of eight grammar and technical schools.
The system means an end to the much-criticised 11-plus selection examination: children of all abilities, from the brightest most backward, will be taught at the same schools.
The 28 secondary schools will be reshaped into groups of schools,
This is how the system will operate:
oOn completion of their fourth year at junior school all children will enter a neighbourhood junior secondary school for three years. .
o At the age of 14 the children will transfer from the junior secondary school to a senior secondary school where they will complete their secondary education.
o Those children who want to leave at the minimum-permitted age - now 15 but likely to be raised to 16 in the near future - will be able to do so. Some may continue their studies at a further education college.
o Children wishing to do so will stay on at the senior secondary school until 18 or 19 to take their G.C.E. A level examinations mainly in preparation for university entrance.
Instructions for Dr Stephen to begin detailed planning for the scheme, long favoured for Waltham Forest by the Council controlling labour group, went out from Monday's meeting of the Education Committee.
Before the Plan is submitted for Mr. Crosland's approval it will be considered by the Education Committee. But this will be largely a formality.