Knowledge is Power

Education is all about winners and losers. Although there are many famous examples of uneducated people becoming rich and famous without education (entrepreneurs, sportsmen, etc.), the value of a tertiary education is easily measurable in terms of income and life opportunities.

It seems like everyone has an opinion in matters educational. Adults often reflect on their own education experiences and assume that should be the only model. One can hear stories that it did them no harm being sent off to some isolated boarding school from a young age, despite the fact that they cried themselves to sleep each night and felt unloved by distant parents.

Australians and many teachers have a dream of an educational meritocracy where all have a level playing field with similar chances and outcomes. While this is laudable, they also know it is not achieved, with many capable students denied educational opportunities because of their geography or family finances.

The Australian model is for good public education for all. Melbourne has very few selective entry public schools, and only available for the last four years of secondary school. However, this is also balanced with the freedom of choice principle. Private schools are the favoured option for parents wishing to remove their children from public education with the hope of providing better quality schooling.
England has more extremes of student selection. The best of English schools far exceed those in the Antipodes, while the lower end of the spectrum is much worse than the most disadvantaged Victorian schools. Take the best students from the community, and the remainder is all the poorer.

The King Edward's Foundation has a competitive examination system for Year 6 level entry and the stakes are very high indeed. There are three boys-only schools, three girls-only schools, as well as a co-educational school. Successful entry means wonderful opportunities abound for fortunate capable students. They are taught at a very high academic level with much expected of them, and these students respond well with diligent efforts and commitment to homework.

Students are fortunate to be in such a school. They are exam focused and have aspirations of entering into professions requiring tertiary courses. In one Year 7 class survey, about a quarter wanted to be doctors. All had a goal of attending university. This year the School had a record number of students had Oxford or Cambridge offers. Their names are inscribed on a wall of honour, with records dating back to the School’s 1552 foundation year – Tudor days.

Because of the great value of entry into a King Edwards school, many children are coached during their primary school years to improve their performance in entrance examinations. Some schools now have follow-up interviews to more effectively identify the naturally capable students. Because the School is generally free of problem students, the School is very relaxed on rules or dress and grooming standards.

For English private schools to receive charity tax status, they must demonstrate charity acts. King Edward’s School provides assisted places to about 30% of students, with 10% paying no fees at all. This provides an escape from poverty for competent children and is a great opportunity.

If education is about winners and losers, then King Edward’s School sets out to breed the winners. It is a highly successful school teaching highly successful boys. And it does so in style. It has been a wonderful place to teach.