Historical Evolution of Academic Selection

This chapter outlines the historical developments that led to the introduction of the grammar school entrance tests in the United Kingdom, with a particular focus on the contributions of Francis Galton and Cyril Burt, both of whom espoused theories that ultimately legitimised the use of such tests for academic selection purposes. Of particular note is the impact of Burt’s controversial ideas pertaining to innate, immutable intelligence that can be measured accurately and reliably at a tender age. Although the evidence contravening these discredited views has led to the abandonment of academic selection in most of Great Britain, it is problematic that it has not led to a similar outcome in Northern Ireland and some parts of England, where academic selection continues to flourish. The impact of Galton’s and Burt’s theories on British education policy is critically evaluated before the historical evolution of academic selection in Northern Ireland, from 1947 to the present day, is summarised. The chapter concludes with an overview of academic selection in several other international contexts.