We dont need no educashion

Now should we be surprised that the Labour Government - in power for 8 years has now suddenly leapt on the idea that within education, selection, streaming, parental choice, and the provision of good schools for all is a good idea? Well we shouldn't be surprised - moreover we should be asking why has it taken so long for them to recognise this.

The problem I have with Ruth Kelly's proposals is more to do with the constant Labour hypocrisy in education. Its alright for Blair to go to a fee opaying school - yet its his party which shut my Grammar school. It's OK for Diane Abbott to send her child to a private school - but the rest of us will have to be happy with "bog standard comprehensives" (now who said that?).

Frankly I no longer trust this Government with our education system. They want 50% of our children to go to University, to get into debt with the promise of a better job - yet employers are telling us that they are finding applicants without even basic writing skills.

Finally perhaps someone could tell me the difference between the newly announced Trust schools being introduced by Kelly, and Grant Maintained schools of a previous more sensible Government?