Ignore the Dim Plebs as they are trying to be all things to all men and are actually nothing to nobody. The O. Levels should be brought back for academically minded students but the practical and technology orientated students should be equally catered for. When I passed my 11 plus in the 1950's,I went to grammar school but at the same time there was an experiment to introduce technical colleges for those who failed and were bright enough to follow a career in technology and sciences. This experiment didn't work for some reason and soon after,the dreaded comprehensives were phased in-- equal education for all but it was geared to the dimmest and not the brightest. The grammars should be brought back as should the techs,both having equal status. Who would you rather have repairing your car,a qualified mechanic or an over educated mouth like Ed Miliband? As I said,equal status. My problem with reverting to O Levels is,are there enough teachers capable of teaching to O Level standard? From what I have observed over the years,it is doubtful that many young teachers would struggle to pass O Level exams! I read recently about a GCSE question in Religious Studies. It showed a picture of a baby in a crib with and ox and a donkey looking on. The question was "Who are the man and woman standing over the child?" God help us all! Oh and incidentally,I was not permitted to use the word a-s and had to substitute it for donkey. You couldn't make it up!