The government announced an expansion of specialist schools which will allow all secondary schools which meet the criteria to apply for the special status.

Forum Response: National Union of Teachers

John Bangs, head of the NUT's education department, said: "Quite clearly the education secretary recognizes that a two-tier education system does not work. We welcome his insight. I suspect he believes that specialist schools are an unnecessary diversion but is constrained by Downing Street from acting on that belief.

"Only yesterday Ofsted told MPs that there was no proof that specialist schools were better than ordinary comprehensives. That view echoes the findings of recent OECD research.

"Yet today we have an announcement which ignores the evidence.

"All schools are unique. That fact, and the success of comprehensive schools, should be recognized and celebrated by government. The Education Secretary should spend his time promoting standards rather than concentrating on structures."

Forum Response: Technology Colleges Trust

"Christine Prentice, deputy chief executive of the Technology Colleges Trust, told ePolitix.com: "The Technology College Trust welcomes the secretary of state's announcement on the specialist schools programme which is leading the way in raising standards in secondary education.

"The Trust believes that the process of obtaining and keeping specialist status drives schools improvement.

"This is reflected in the achievement of many specialist schools.

"The expansion of the specialist schools programme will result in the spreading of excellence and best practice."

Forum Response: Professional Association of Teachers

A spokesperson for the Professional Association of Teachers said: "With its promotion of specialist schools, the government seems to be sending out mixed messages - discouraging early specialisation post-16, with AS Levels, while introducing specialist schools from age 11. We hope that the government is not engaged in promoting divisiveness rather than diversity.

"We have seen some schools become financially advantaged as a result of the drive for selection and specialism, indicating that a two-tier system will emerge. The perceived value attached to specialist status by society may in turn impact on parental choice and result in a widening gap between advantaged and disadvantaged areas.

"Where there are clusters of schools, specialist schools can be a positive way to promote the collaboration of teacher expertise and the sharing of resources.

"Where there aren't clusters, for example in rural areas, more specialist schools may result in an imbalance of pupils at those school which remain general comprehensives.

"Difficulties would remain for those schools serving rural communities, where there is limited choice for parents and where transport is a significant factor.

"The government must invest in excellent teaching and support for all our children, so that all pupils have the same opportunities to achieve to the best of their abilities. We would like to see all schools become centres of excellence."