Christopher McShane, head teacher of Winton School in Hampshire, described his school as having an overall lower-ability intake and made the case for the value of vocational qualifications.

BBC: Are vocational qualifications valuable?

Banding involves an admissions test, with results divided into ability bands - the school then accepts a percentage of pupils from each band, resulting in a mixed-ability intake.

BBC: Will reforms mean fewer school appeals?

U-turn on selection and encouraged the creation of a wider variety of schools with a range of admissions policies, allowing some to select all of their intake by either aptitude in one subject or overall ability.

ECONOMIST: Education: Going for grammars | The