Graham Brady and the results are everything approach

Graham Brady has written quite a thought provoking article in the Telegraph today. However, it is yet another education article written solely from the perspective that the only important thing about children's education is results. The article is flawed in another way too - selection is not the only route to excellent results anyway - it is only one.

But, to me, the purpose of children's education is to develop well-rounded individuals and to prepare them for the next stage in their lives. I accept that qualifications are an importnat part of that. But I would argue that surrounding young people with an acedemic elite is less likely to provide the same rounded perspective that can be gained from enabling children to mix with peers of mixed backgrounds, abilities and talents - and that is the advantage that Comprehensives offer.

I would like to say that I feel that the debate within the Conservative Party has been very, very healthy.