IT has been clear for years that the 11+ testing system in Bucks was flawed, unfair and in desperate in need of change – so top marks to grammar schools for having the courage to take radical steps to reform the process.

But we believe the new plans – while making lots of sense – are also far from perfect. The words ‘could do better’ spring to mind in a couple of aspects.

Firstly, the advantages. The schools are right to try to wipe out the huge advantages given to pupils by private coaching. The tests are meant to explore potential and natural ability, but the right amount of tutoring has often made all the difference for many pupils who would have otherwise struggled to pass. This gave rise to a shockingly elitist system in which wealthier families always had the upper hand.

Under the new process, it will be much harder to coach children because there will be a wider variety of tests, and practice papers will not be generally available. We also agree it is fairer to test on a wider range of abilities than verbal reasoning.

Finally, it is sensible that parents and pupils must now wait for the 11+ results before making their admission choices.

But we also believe the grammars are wrong to impose the changes this year. Whatever the rights and wrongs of coaching, it is unfair on parents, many of whom have embarked on costly tuition, that the goalposts have been moved just eight months prior to this crucial test.

We also feel for the children. Previously the exam was in October, but now they will virtually walk straight back into it in September after their summer holidays. We suspect many parents will now overcompensate for the unknown by taking on even more tutoring, broadening the range – as well as the stress on the children, Furthermore, both exams will be on the same day, and there will no longer be the safety net of being able to mess up on one – unlike the previous system where only the highest of the two scores counted.

Sometimes it’s worth remembering these are just 10 and 11-year-olds we are dealing with here.

So why can’t more emphasis be placed on their school performances and SATs scores over a period of years – rather than a pressure cooker day of one-off exams that will determine the course of the rest of their education?