Almost a third of adults have been left permanently scarred by the experience of failing grammar school entrance exams at the age of 11, according to new research.
Figures show that 30 per cent of people were put off education and training well into middle-age following a poor result in the 11-plus, it was revealed.
Some adults claimed that low scores in entrance tests acted as an “albatross around their neck” for more than 40 years because of the shame of being branded a failure at the end of primary education.
The disclosure – in a survey of more than 1,000 adults aged 50 and over – comes amid continuing controversy over academic selection in the state education system.
Most grammar schools across England were converted into mixed-ability comprehensives in the 60s and 70s, although 164 remain across the country.
Existing grammars are still hugely popular among parents and some gain as many as 10 applications for every place.
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