What is the tripartite education system?

The "tripartite system" refers to a system of secondary education that was prevalent in some countries, notably the United Kingdom, in the mid-20th century. It divided students at age 11 into three different types of secondary schools based on their perceived academic abilities, as assessed by the 11-plus examination. The three types were:

* Grammar schools: These schools offered a traditional academic curriculum aimed at preparing students for university entrance. They were considered the most prestigious and selective.

* Secondary modern schools: These schools provided a more practical and vocational curriculum, focusing on skills for employment rather than university.

* Technical schools: These schools offered a curriculum focused on technical and vocational skills, preparing students for jobs in industry and trades. These were less common than grammar and secondary modern schools.

The tripartite system was criticized for its inherent inequalities. The 11-plus exam was seen as a flawed instrument for determining a child's potential, often discriminating against students from disadvantaged backgrounds who may not have had access to the same educational opportunities as their wealthier peers. This led to social stratification, with grammar school students largely coming from more affluent families and having a greater chance of upward social mobility, while those in secondary modern schools had fewer opportunities.

The tripartite system has largely been abolished in the UK and other countries that adopted it, being replaced by comprehensive schools which aim to cater to a wider range of abilities within a single school. However, the legacy of the tripartite system and its social inequalities continues to be debated and analyzed.