IT was interesting to read Cllr Eadie and Norman Holland's remarks in SAM, both talking about different forms of selection.

One was based on potential academic ability and the other on postcode areas.

As Cllr Eadie states, the top authorities do have one thing in common, a high proportion of selective grammar schools - systems like Trafford's which obviously work.

I have read the anecdotal evidence about the negative effects of the 11-plus and the hurt suffered when not selected for a highly academic education.

If I understand correctly, in an attempt to remove such hurts, those opposing selective education based on academic potential want all children to go to their local schools and receive a similar education.

But the abolition of the 11-plus will provide another form of selection. There is evidence to suggest that a child's educational attainment is influenced by his postcode.

It would appear there is a relationship between the value of property, the owner's occupation, their education and in turn their attitude to their children's education.

As a result children in affluent areas do better at school than children in disadvantaged areas.

As Mr Holland says, Sale Grammar will be a popular choice. It is situated in an affluent area and the children who live closest will get preference.

Brooklands School is one of its feeders, and last year around 50 of its 70 pupils were granted grammar school places. Because of its postcode Sale Grammar will flourish whatever the system.

But what will happen to bright childen who live in areas where only 5 per cent get grammar school places? At the moment those children can travel to a grammar school but in future will they be able to achieve their full academic potential?

Unless they can afford to change their postcode it would appear to be unlikely.

C Keyworth, Sale.

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