by political editor Paul Francis

Many primary schools are ignoring instructions not to coach their pupils
for the 11-plus because they fear losing out to the private sector in
the race for grammar places.

Meanwhile, education chiefs say they are prepared to take action if they
are given evidence schools are breaching strict rules that require them
not to coach or prepare children for the tests.

It comes after the Kent Messenger Group revealed how nearly 500 children
from fee-paying schools were offered places at 32 grammars this year.

At some, fee-paying schools accounted for more than a third of offers.

Many private schools openly publicise their success in securing places
at grammars, emphasising in promotional literature and on websites their
track record.

Nigel Utton, the chairman of the Kent Headteachers' Association, said
most primaries openly flouted the education authority's instructions not
to make special preparations for the tests.

"When I came to Kent, I was told categorically that we were not allowed
to practice the test then found out that a lot of schools did.

"We do... it would be crazy not to because we are competing against schools
that intensively coach."

Kent County Council tells all schools - including private schools - that
they are not permitted to use or keep material to prepare children for
the exams.

Cllr Mike Whiting (Con), KCC cabinet member for education, said schools
were told of their obligations each year and warned that if evidence was
found of coaching, they could be stopped from entering children for the
11-plus.

"These are the rules. We have a test for which coaching is not allowed
and not required. We tell schools we will take sanctions if we find that
is the case."

He had not been given any evidence that was the case but added: "If
people come to us with that evidence, we will look at it."
ends