Primary pupils in England could be ranked nationally

Primary school pupils in England could be ranked directly against their peers across the country, under government plans to change performance measures.

Pupils aged 11 would be ranked in 10% ability bands and parents told where their children are placed.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: "For children to achieve their potential, we need to raise the bar."

This announcement is an odd one because this government, Michael Gove in particular, have made numerous declarations that league tables and ranking systems will be done away with. 

But I fail to see how ranking 11 year olds into bands of 10% will do them any good, all it will do is create a divide as all the best and brightest will be handpicked by the best secondary schools and all the others will be left to fight it out for what’s left.  

This government, Michael Gove in particular, are determined to change something about the education system, I just wish they could all agree on, and then get on with implementing just what that something should be.