Fundamental questions are being asked about our education system, which has been seriously affected by the pandemic. The Times has established an Education Commission, consisting of leading experts, to produce major proposals for reform of the system next year. In a short letter published in the newspaper on June 2, Alistair Lexden suggested an important item for the Commission’s agenda.
Sir, Many of the country’s leading 1,300 independent schools, half of which are non-selective, have long wanted to open up places to families of all kinds. That would become possible if the government permitted them to transfer to independent schools the money allocated for a child’s education in the state sector. School bursaries would be at the disposal of low-income families. Should not The Times Education Commission examine this issue?
Lord Lexden
President, Independent Schools Association
