The trials of Tom Daley explain what’s wrong with state education

Tom Daley about to get towel whipped to within an inch of his life...
Do you remember Tom Daley? The little chap who was very good at falling with style from a very high platform into a deep pool of water at the Olympics? Apparently, as soon as he returned to his state secondary school he had the crap bullied out of him. Thus, after someone threatened (quite seriously, one must suppose) to ‘break his legs’, Daley’s father thought it was time for his son to go. Where to? The private sector.
This might not seem a particularly big or important issue, but it is. Yes, kids are bullied all the time, in both state and private schools. After all, children are horrible. They’re shits. I can say this with authority as, from the age approximately 11-15, I was a horrid, little twerp. It’s inevitable that some kids will get picked on. But why pick on Daley? The answer is simple: Daley was/is extremely successful. And why will he better off in a private school? Because private schools, unlike state schools, do not have a culture where success is abnormal, and thus something to be attacked over.*
In state schools, if you stick your head above the parapet – by being too clever, too funny, too good at something – there will be a crowd of people ready and willing to pelt rotten fruit at you. Now why is this?
This is not because state schooled kids hate success; it’s because there is a culture of mediocrity that surrounds most state schools. Teachers do not care about turning A’s into A*, they care about turning D’s into C’s. Mixed ability classes mean that clever kids have to slow down, dumb kids still struggle and mediocre kids do, well, mediocre. A lot of state schools simply don’t bother pushing kids to apply for the best universities.
It’s a dull argument, and one often repeated by boorish fools with whom I have no wish to be associated, but I think it rings true. Daley having to move to a private school simply because he was successful is a sad indictment of the state education system in Britain as a whole, where mediocrity is cherished and children – rather than being viewed as individuals – are simply a clump of 5 A*-C results waiting to happen.
Tom Daley is just one very talented fifteen year old, but the state sector can’t afford to lose talented kids. The whole point of comprehensive education is that people of all abilities and all backgrounds go to school and mix together. If state schools don’t stop being so anti-talent then the gap between the private and state sectors will not close.
*N.B I went to a state school. It was alright. Not good, but alright. Please note that many state schools are wonderful, and really push pupils. Likewise, some private schools are dreadful shitholes that would be closed if they were in the public sector.
Related posts:

I really like what you guys are usually up too. Such clever work and reporting! Keep up the terrific works guys I’ve you guys to my blogroll.
hello there boys it? actually I am, Simply put I have fallen for a second time. Document haven?? been in this incredible website for many years since I have shed items private data, at the present I recently uncovered them back! Can miss all of you all of you seem to be our friends I presume all of you. Nice post!
But…the main person you need to be comfy with is you, as that’s a transfer you don’t want to make. Best, Therese
i believe cheerleading is a sport.. cheerleaders work out and run and lift weights as well as people.. cheerleaders practice and give energy and strength into what the are doing.. even though cheerleaders dont physicaly hit eachother or tackle eachother, they do land on eachother and have physical contact. we do get scores the only difference is the rules.
properly can provide and company’s or an individual’s website the best chance of survival,
Oh, a great text! No idea how you wrote this report..it’d take me days. Well worth it though, I’d assume. Have you considered selling advertising space on your website?
that looks like fun!! are you on the williams sonoma mailing list? ie how did you find out about the class?thanks for the great tips!online education degree
fashion jewelries will be one of the best stuffs that you can use to enhance your personal style’
my name is Amy Bruce. I am 7 years old,?»? and?»? have severe lung?»??»? cancer. I also have a?»? tumor in my brain, from?»? repeated beatings. Doctors say i will die soon if this isn’t?»? fixed, and my?»? family can’t pay the bills.?»? The Make?»? A Wish Foundation has agreed to donate?»? 7 cents for?»? every time this message is sent on. for those of you who send this?»? along, I thank you so?»? much, but for those of you who don’t send it what goes around comes around. Have a heart. Re-send this, help?»? her?»?
REALLY? sorry about that i hope u feel better ):?»?
i stop by every other week to read your blog and it’s wonderful to have a look at some original writings, i left a connection so you can visit my account on twitter in the event you ever wanna take a look at mine
My personal nephew appeared to be poking fun at everyone any time reading this set about your site “
hello there, awesome page, and a fairly good understand! 1 for my book marks.
Simply wish to say your article is as astounding. The clarity in your post is simply great and i can assume you’re an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission allow me to grab your feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please keep up the enjoyable work.
Terrible
I’ve been browsing online more than 3 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It’s pretty worth enough for me. In my opinion, if all site owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the web will be a lot more useful than ever before.
sized jolliffe kozderonas cussed domed krong retrospect snowdrops haghios
"Because private schools, unlike state schools, do not have a culture where success is abnormal, and thus something to be attacked over" There isn't really alot that can be done about this though-by their very nature those at private/public schools will be more familiar with success than most of their comprehensive counterparts. Unless, you're advocating a return to the days of the grammar school; where success would be more normal but at the expense of the inclusive nature of a comp.
Mixed ability is certainly a horrible waste of everybodies time eg. one year into tudor history a girl asks "miss what were the wars of the roses" oh dear…..
Hello my family member! I wish to say that this article is amazing, nice written and include approximately all important infos. I would like to peer more posts like this .
This is really a really very good study for me, Must admit that you simply tend to be 1 of the greatest writers I actually saw.Thanks for posting this educational write-up. And that is what is fantastic concerning the take a seat stationary bike.
In chasing up wisdom, the post was as good as, “Your goals are the road maps that guide you and show you what is possible for your life.”
That’s so lovely. While I was reading the story, a wolf just killed my pet duck!
On the Internet nobody knows you’re a dog.
If your post was a quote, it would be, “When you give yourself you receive more than you give..”.
In addition to being the best source of current information about laws and regulations, homeschooling support groups can help you meet a lot of people at once and can tell you about local activities. Support groups often have newsletters and meetings and sometimes organize field trips, sports teams, writing clubs, book discussion groups — whatever appeals to the families involved.
This particular site is awesome. We continuously come across some thing new & distinct proper right here. Thank you for that information.
I’m not capable of look at this internet site properly upon opera I really feel there is a problem
Undoubtedly my mind drifted back to the famous words, “When I was kidnapped my parents snapped into action. They rented out my room..”.
Trivial is a complement to this post, and so would be the statement, “The more I study religions the more I am convinced that man never worshipped anything but himself..”.
It’s about time sooemne wrote about this.
upAI8S jtmfhuqbspnw
I am very thankful to this topic because it really gives up to date information *~-
We have a fairly popular edu blog here at university and was wondering if I could repost this there? Thanks
There is a lot of great info on this great site. If you would like you can see my website ; Latest Celebrity News
Which is the Best Web Hosting Company in India?-KylixHost.com
I admire what you have carried out here.
May perhaps we simply at this moment assert such a comfort to uncover a person who actually comprehends precisely what they’re dialogue on the subject of on line. You actually most| absolutely appreciate how you are able carry a haul so as to easy and produce the thought important. Much more folks have to enjoy the view of this specific in conjunction with fully grasp the sort of side around the recount. I can’t feel that that you aren’t famous because you certainly contain the existing.
I’ve learned a lot from your blog here,Keep on going,I will keep an eye on it,One more thing,plz visit my websites:wholesale
Thanks for taking this opportunity to discuss this, I’m strongly over it and I reap the benefits of researching this subject. When possible, when you gain data, please update this website with new information. I have found it extremely useful.
You are my intake , I possess few blogs and very sporadically run out from to post : (.
Do you release new dubstep tracks from your blog? I’ve onl had like 21 early releases.
I’ve learned a lot from your blog here,Keep on going,I will keep an eye on it,One more thing,plz visit my websites:Chrome Hearts glasses sunglasses
38. I just could not depart your website prior to suggesting that I really enjoyed the standard information a person provide for your visitors? Is going to be back often in order to check up on new posts
Do you know why do Filipino women make such excellent wives? if you look for filipino dating the Filipino women look so hot. get some great tips on seduction at filipino dating
I enjoy just taking a break from my projects and reading your website. I just wish you posted more often. Thank you very much
Could you make one more blog internet site? ? I really love this a single so considerably.
It is really a great and helpful piece of info. I’m glad that you shared this helpful info with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.
Cool The trials of Tom Daley explain what’s wrong with state education | Lazy Students I am genuinely digging your template/theme for the site. It’s simple, though great. More often than not it is tough to obtain this balance involving user friendliness along with visual appeal. We should mention you have carried out a fantastic job. In addition, your website loads super fast personally with Opera. Excellent Weblog The trials of Tom Daley explain what’s wrong with state education | Lazy Students In addition how about Obama wonderful news reports? Enjoy your day ! Rob Rasner Blog
16. Its like you read my mind! You seem to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you could do with some pics to drive the message home a little bit, but other than that, this is great blog. A great read. I’ll definitely be back.
Top info:. are there anymore facts about the subject The trials of Tom Daley explain what’s wrong with state education | Lazy Students thanks All the best … Flash Website Builder
75. Good write-up, I’m normal visitor of one’s site, maintain up the excellent operate, and It’s going to be a regular visitor for a lengthy time.
You may choose for on-line vocabulary diploma, available economical degree, link qualification on-line or simply a lot more with the help associated with on the web college. Nevertheless to look for the best faculty could end up being work of threat for you. We all make it quite straightforward with substantial listing of online training colleges.
Friendships last when each friend thinks he has a slight superiority over the other.
Hi there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it’s truly informative. I am going to watch out for brussels. I will be grateful if you continue this in future. A lot of people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!
A thoughtful insight and ideas I will use on my blog. You’ve obviously spent a lot of time on this. Congratulations!So I sincerely say you produce some exceptional points and I will publish a variety of thoughts to add in briefly.
I think this is among the most vital information for me. And i am glad reading your article. But wanna remark on few general things, The web site style is wonderful, the articles is really excellent : D. Good job, cheers
No quetsoin this is the place to get this info, thanks y’all.
Somebody essentially help to make critically posts I might state. This is the very first time I frequented your website page and to this point? I amazed with the analysis you made to create this particular submit incredible. Fantastic process!
I could spend hours reading your messages, keep up the good work
I am extremely impressed with your writing skills as well as with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself? Anyway keep up the excellent quality writing, it is rare to see a nice blog like this one today..
Great post. I used to be checking constantly this weblog and I am inspired! Very useful information particularly the ultimate part
I take care of such information a lot. I was looking for this particular info for a long time. Thank you and best of luck.
I think this is among the most vital information for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But should remark on some general things, The website style is ideal, the articles is really excellent : D. Good job, cheers
Hi, i think that i saw you visited my site so i came to “return the favor”.I’m attempting to find things to improve my website!I suppose its ok to use a few of your ideas!!
I appreciate your wordpress theme, do you get a hold of it from? Thank-you in advance!