Welcome to the launch of our first publication, Producing the Meritocracy: The Case for Selective Education in Wales. This paper tackles one of the most pressing issues facing Wales today—our enduring educational crisis. While the world evolves into a knowledge-based economy, Welsh students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, continue to lag behind their UK and global counterparts. This decline calls for bold solutions.
Our paper revisits the transformative power of academic selection, historically demonstrated by the grammar school system. Contrary to its critics, selection based on ability once catalysed social mobility, producing a generation of leaders across industries irrespective of their social class. Today, however, a one-size-fits-all comprehensive model has entrenched inequalities, making quality education a privilege of wealth.
This isn’t a call for nostalgia but a proposal for a forward-looking meritocratic education system. Inspired by successful international models in countries like Germany and the Netherlands, our paper advocates for a tailored approach. By streaming students into grammar, technical, or vocational pathways based on aptitude and aspirations, we can provide every child with the best opportunity to thrive.
We explore the historical successes and current failures of Welsh education while presenting actionable proposals for reform. With this paper, we aim to spark a national conversation about building an education system that meets the demands of the 21st century, empowering every Welsh student to succeed.
With thanks to Dr Ewan Lawry for this paper!