Headmaster's Notes 12
(1969)

Those who have been so successful in turning eleven-plus into a bogey, and who would have the public believe that it is a major social evil, have recently devoted some attention to eighteen-plus, which they term the 'rat race' for university places. They argue that admission to higher education is a right for all who qualify, and that the present system bristles with injustices. A perusal of the list of boys who have obtained places this October - a record number representing some 80 per cent of those who entered the School seven years ago, leads me to the conclusion that the opportunity for full-time education after the age of eighteen is available to all who have shown themselves capable of benefitting from it. I can think of no glaring Injustice. The right to higher education has to be earned not only by passing examinations, but by displaying those personal qualities which are necessary. This year's candidates should be encouraged by the success of their predecessors.

I was recently tempted to look at some early issues of the Magazine. Not until 1959 was it possible to use the playing field. Until then we carried on our games through the kindness of the headmasters of local schools, who made pitches available to us. I am prompted to recall these facts now that the first XV is able to play for the first time in conditions worthy of its good record. Dissatisfaction with the state of the school field dates almost from the time when it was first laid out, and the move to Brookside, Hayes, in company with St. Nicholas Old Boys is the result of prolonged effort and of the kindness and support of the Governor and of successive chairman of the Parks Committee. Our next step must be to obtain some security of tenure at Brookside. As soon as this is achieved the School will obviously wish to support the Old Boys in their fund raising efforts to provide a permanent headquarters which can be used jointly.

When the School was opened my own interests made it natural that I should wish to see a sound musical tradition developed I have been disappointed only in the lack of facilities, and it is my hope that before | retire the School will have a Music Centre worthy of the good work that goes on and of the reputation which the School has established in this sphere.

Since the last issue of the magazine a new plan has been devised to end secondary selection and to make the schools of the Borough comprehensive. Though the suggested date for the implementation of the change is so far ahead that few if any of the present generation of parents will be concerned, we have a plain duty to future generations to ensure that change is change for the better. We must study the proposals with care and if we feel that established standards are threatened, we must say. And use all our influence to safeguard the education of all children in the district, whatever system is finally adopted.