Footage begins in the middle of the programme
Discussion on the eleven-plus exams, and whether the examination is the best measure of a child’s intelligence or potential.
The first interviewee the viewer meets is adamant that the 11+ is not the right option for pupils as for the "60% or so who do not get the 11+, it lowers their self esteem" another consequence of results is that it can diminish parent's aspirations for them. However, the following headmaster finds that these claims are exaggerated and that failure is a part of life and helps to prepare children for adulthood, their job as teachers is to help them through it.
A possible benefit to the 11+ is the boost to grammar schools by supplying them the most able of the population, this though, is not without criticism as it disadvantages the less able and there are not enough spaces for all who pass their exam. Another argument against the exam is the 1970's survey of teachers, who while they did not want a fully comprehensive system, did want a selection process later than 11.
The concluding thought is how Academia is not the only - or possibly the best - option for all students.