The re-organisation of education in the county borough of Wallasey 1961-1968

Abstract

The Local Education Authority in Wallasey began in 1961 to consider the re-organisation of the Borough's system of education with a view to eliminating selection at 11+ and separatism in secondary education. This thesis gives a broadly chronological account of the ensuing progress towards the implementation of an approved scheme commencing in September 1968. A number of possible schemes for re-organisation were examined by the Authority and this thesis considers their detailed applicationto the County Borough of Wallasey. The Authority decided upon a Three Tier system based on schools for children aged 5 - 9, 9 - 13 and 13 - 18 long before the Secretary of State for Education and Science gave limited approval to such schemes in Circular 10/65.Indeed at the time when Wallasey decided upon this scheme a Three Tier system was actually illegal. Circular 10/65 indicated thatthe minister was prepared to approve experimentally a limited number of schemes spanning the traditional 5- 11, 11 - 18 age groups but when approached he was not prepared to give prior approval to Wallasey's intentions. This did not deter the Wallasey Authoritywhich as quite prepared to fight the Department on this issue if necessary. Eventually, the Minister hinted that he would be moreready to approve Three Tier systems than had been indicated. in Circular 10/65. The present work examines the process of deliberation within the Authority, consultation with local teachers' organisations and negotiations with the Department of Education and Science through which the approved scheme finally emerged. It refers to the problems caused by delay in approval, unexpected financial restrictions and the deferment of the raising of the school leaving age. The three tiers are separately considered with special emphasis on 1uddle Schools. A further section deals with re-organisation of Catholic schools, affecting approximately one fifth of the school population.