text_body: --- DIVISION TITLE ---
  
  Education Bill - Abolish selection by aptitude in state schools - rejected
  
  --- MOTION EFFECT ---
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  The majority No voters rejected a new clause[1] for the [http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200102/cmbills/087/2002087.htm Education Bill].The clause would have removed the ability of state schools to select pupils by aptitude (except if the selection arrangements predated the 1997-8 school year and had been in force continuously since). However, the amendment was defeated.
  
  The main aims of the Education Bill were to[2]:
  
  * Allow schools to exempt themselves from laws which prevented them from innovating. However, this is dependent on the Secretary of State's approval.
  * Give good schools the option of qualifying for greater flexibility in the National Curriculum and teachers' pay.
  * Allow schools to join together in a federation under a single governing body.
  * Further regulate school admissions, exclusions and attendance policies.
  * Give the Secretary of State further powers to intervene in failing schools.
  * Introduce a new regulatory regime for independent schools.
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  * [1] [http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debate/?id=2002-02-06.972.7 Phil Willis MP], House of Commons, 6 February 2002
  
  * [2] [http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/educationoverview/educationact/summary/ TeacherNet Summary], 17 September 2002
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  --- COMMENTS AND NOTES ---
  
  (put thoughts and notes for other researchers here)
  