Some pupils are given intensive coaching to pass the 11-plus

by political editor Paul Francis

Thousands of pupils could be taking a changed 11-plus test if head teachers accept proposals for a shake-up designed to make it "tutor-proof".

Kent County Council, the largest selective education authority in the country, has asked head teachers for their views on a range of changes that could be implemented by 2014.

It follows a review carried out by a working party set up in response to growing concerns that the test favours those who can afford private tutors.

Competition for places, particularly at west Kent schools, has intensified in recent years and several have become "super-selective" - taking children who achieve the top marks.

Kent grammar schools also face pressure from pupils outside the county.

The KM Group revealed this year how nearly 500 places at Kent's 33 grammars were being offered to pupils from fee-paying private schools, with some schools seeing as many as 40% of places going to the independent sector.

There is also a burgeoning industry in private tutors who specialise in preparing children to sit the tests.

Among the options outlined by KCC are:

• Stopping schools using practice papers that are also available in high
  street shops;
• Dropping the non-verbal reasoning part of the tests;
• For the tests to be taken over one day rather than two, as at present;
• Changing the way head teacher appeals are conducted

Cllr Mike Whiting (Con), Kent County Council cabinet member for education, said: "I believe that there are ways in which the current test can be improved, to reduce the coachability and maintain the system of having one standard test across the county."

He added: "By talking to a panel of headteachers and then canvassing schools for their views, we will be able to design a new approach to assess ability more appropriately and in a way that is less coachable."

It is not the first time the education authority has considered changes to the test.

The last review was conducted five years ago, but nothing was changed.

The response to the review will be considered by KCC at the end of January.