So, should they exist? It's a topic of little deabate in British politics at the moment. It's a political minefield. As your schooling affects the rest of your life, it is understandable that politicians don't want to make the wrong decision.
Let me get straight to the point. Your viewpoint on this subject varies according to your own education. If you went to a grammar school then you are in favour of them. If you went to a comprehensive, when perhaps, you should have gone to a grammar school, then you are against them. Because you are only 11 when you chose your school you are normally not fully mature enough to make your own decision. You greatly rely on your parents. If your parents have one view on a subject so greatly influencing your life at that point, then you will pick it up too.
So, what do I believe? I believe they are a good thing. And guess what, I go to one. They offer those of above average intelligence a chance to excel. The opportunity that they need to get the best out of themselves. They attract the best teachers, have the longest histories and get, for the most part, the best exam results. I don't think that the 11+ works however. People can be easily tutored through. If you are ill on the day of an exam then that could mean the whole of your life is completely different. I don't agree with exams. I also don't agree with private schools. Why should people be educated differently, just because they had rich parents. Why should they then go on to disagree with grammar schools? 'I had a brilliant education, but if you don't have money then you can't either, regardless of your ability.' It just doesn't make sense. It feels almost hypocritical and highly selfish.
So, I've now used that word three times, what do I believe should become of the education system. I think that areas that have grammar schools should get no more, and those that don't have them, should get them. This way everyone has equal opportunities. They should not rely on one test, but on a few. And on teacher assessments, etc. Some for of National Apptitude Tests or something. You can also use these for applications to NAGTY. The system for this doesn't make sense at the moment. The top 5% of one school could all be in the top 10% in the country. But in another school they might only be in the top 25%. You shouldn't have the cream of the crop of each school. But the cream of the crop of the whole country. Surely that makes more sense!
I know this is a ramble, and I apologise for it, but I want to get over two key points. Grammar schools are good. The system for NAGTY applications is not.