"Intelligence cannot be measured at the age of 11," former Bucks MP John Bercow has said - claiming grammar schools are "unhealthy" and must be phased out.

The former Buckingham MP and Commons speaker shared his changed view on the grammar school system in an opinion piece for The Guardian on November 28.

He said he did not question the county's selective system "for a long time", but now believes 11 is "far too young to select", adding that it is "massively damaging to the self-esteem of the child".

The grammar school and 11-Plus system in Bucks has long been controversial, with many campaign groups arguing it should be scrapped.

The former Speaker is the latest to add his voice to the debate, describing the divide between Bucks grammar schools and secondary moderns as “like an apartheid system.”

He explained: “There was a 'them and us' attitude. Grammar pupils were encouraged to feel superior and many secondary modern students probably resented them.”

He wrote: "I came to see that 11 is far too young to select and that it is massively damaging to the self-esteem of the child…. Intelligence cannot be measured at the age of 11.

"Children develop at different rates; I was a late developer, who flourished intellectually only at university.

"We know that a less privileged socio-economic background and lack of parental education impact negatively on children’s learning. Therefore, the chances of children from these backgrounds are lesser in any test situation.”

He also urged politicians to take a stronger policy position on selective education, adding: “I have come to believe that the only way we will get change in the selective areas is to have a countrywide policy, nationally promoted and applied.

"Grammar schools are unhealthy and should be phased out. We do not suggest that local areas can pick their own energy policy, so why should we with education?

“Both the Conservatives and Labour have to take an honest and open position and support comprehensive education everywhere.

"With the country so divided, and educational disadvantage growing so rapidly, even more so during the pandemic, it is time to act.”

Mr Bercow will be joining the panel of a Zoom webinar by Comprehensive Future, a group campaigning for fair admissions, inclusive schools and an end to the 11-Plus.

The December 10 web event at 6pm will explore the theme ‘Is there a comprehensive future?’

The panel also includes Dr Mary Bousted, joint general secretary of the NEU; Danny Dorling, a leading academic on issues of social justice and inequality; and Thelma Walker, a former member of the education select committee.

Free tickets available at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/is-there-a-comprehensive-future-tickets-127702907835