FOR over a century now, grammar schools have enjoyed an elite, aloof, privileged status in Bucks.

Even the grammar schools will agree this is no secret, and most of us have no big issue with this.

Currently, all grammar schools are going full speed to achieve Academy Schools Status.

Being pragmatic, one cannot blame them for doing so. A conditions of achieving Academy Status is that the School ‘must support another school (in a collaborative partnership)’.

All grammar schools must now enter into a serious and determined collaborative partnership with a struggling school, not just pay lip service.

This will finally remove the stigma of ‘Privileged Status’ from our grammar schools, and allow them to join with us, in a full and cohesive manner, and help all our children get a good education.

Grammar schools do not have to sacrifice themselves at the altar of Equality, God Forbid! Just help all our kids, a little more than before.

I hope this will resonate with everyone – whether or not they are an educationalist. And that the public and moral pressure will have the grammars help a bit more, with problems in mainstream education.

I understand, I must exempt Dr Challoner‘s Grammar School, from this plea.

It is delightful to note DCGS is in the 21st Century, and currently participates with Cressex Community School.

John Bajina, Bucks Upper School Lead Governor