The legacy of hurt and division created by grammar schools
Letters: Henry Phillips can remember the weather, the classroom and what the teacher wore the day his 11-plus results were announced. Readers give their memories of failing – and passing – the 11-plus
August 2016
The blurred line between success and failure under the 11-plus
Letters: The grammar school expelled me for truancy aged 15 before I took any O-levels. Rather than the promised leg up and social mobility, it proved a major setback
November 2013
Grammar schools continue to divide
Letters: The public schools teach the languages, science, maths and better English which any half-good intelligence needs
October 2012
Labour should pledge to ditch exams at age 16
Peter Wilby
The opposition needs a clear policy, and the best idea may be to revisit Sir Mike Tomlinson's 14-19 recommendations, writes Peter Wilby
September 2012
Michael Gove's GCSE reforms are tame, backward and not even new
Melissa Benn
Melissa Benn: There is plenty of evidence on what makes a stimulating, modern curriculum, but Gove, the rigid traditionalist, is rejecting it
Open thread
What should the new O-level style exam be called?
Open thread
Open thread: Michael Gove's new qualification for English pupils is soon to be unveiled. If you've got a good name for it, share it with the class
The unrigorous O-level
Michael Rosen
Michael Rosen: I sat O-levels in 1962, under an examination system that was a game of cat and mouse between teachers and examiners
July 2012
Speed read
Education in brief: Birbalsingh's free school still looking for a site
Speed read
Education in brief: are GCSEs the new O-levels?
The profile
Exam regulator in the front line
Letter from a curious parent
Michael Rosen's letter from a curious parent
June 2012
Multiple choice
School exams: Is bringing back O-levels a good idea?
Nick Clegg: Michael Gove did not consult me or PM over GCSEs
Michael Gove is the enemy of promise
Fiona Millar
Scrapping GCSEs: a leap towards selection and grammar schools
Michael Gove's plan to scrap GCSEs is ludicrous, say teaching union leaders
Return of O-levels: Michael Gove to get rid of GCSEs in exams shakeup
July 2011
Once upon a life
Once Upon A Life: Arabella Weir
Sent to a new school at the age of 11, writer Arabella Weir quickly became top of the class – in winding up the teachers. But could her wise-cracking career survive the challenge of taking O-levels?
June 2009
GCSEs blamed for boys not going to university
Study suggests that the end of O-levels led to a gender achievement gap
