'Patronising' partnerships attacked

TheE Government was attacked by a head teachers' leader and anti-selection activists today over plans to fund "co-operation" between grammar schools and non-selective schools.

Ministers announced £500,000 for partnership schemes between 30 of the country's 164 remaining grammar schools and neighbouring schools, aiming to spread expertise and "break down barriers".

Government sources said the schemes were intended to be "genuine two-way partnerships". But David Hart, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, said: "People will be asking whether the Government ought to be spending money re-awakening the debate about selection. Some non-selective schools will view the plan as downright patronising."

Margaret Tulloch, spokesman for the Campaign for State Education, said: "If the Government wants to help raise standards in non-selective schools, they could do that most effectively by abolishing the 11-plus."