The Guardian Tony Blair's Performance and Innovation unit, based in the Cabinet Office, thinks school catchment areas are a bad idea. It has told the prime minister that selection in state schools will have to be increased if he is to achieve his vision of a genuine meritocratic society in Britain. He's right to identify the malaise. But the medicine could hurt even more.
Popular schools have to select some way.
Catchment areas are far from perfect. But it will only increase the suspicion and anxiety of those who think Tony Blair has it in for comprehensive schools. Mr Blair wants to rapidly increase the number of specialist schools - secondaries with a particular focus on science or technology, or other areas. They did not expect that to be the line of attack at all, they say privately. The comps need resourcing, not demolishing.